Innovation propensity as a cognitive structure that differentiates innovative farmers

Understanding why farmers exposed to similar innovation opportunities behave differently remains an important challenge in agricultural psychology. This study introduces innovation propensity as a complementary cognitive construct describing a relatively stable yet developable orientation that predisposes individuals to engage with innovation opportunities before specific behavioural intentions emerge. A six-item Innovation Propensity Measurement Scale (IPMS) was examined using data from 545 smallholder farmers in Benin across two contrasting contexts: adoption of Sustainable Land Management practices and participation in cashew training programmes. Exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, path analysis, bootstrap mediation analysis, moderation analysis, and group comparisons were used to assess the scale and examine the relationship between innovation propensity and innovative behaviour. The findings provide preliminary support for a predominantly unidimensional structure and acceptable internal consistency, although some item-level results indicate the need for further psychometric refinement. Innovation propensity was positively associated with innovative behaviour in both studies and mediated some relationships between farmers' socio-economic characteristics and innovative behaviour, particularly those involving gender, education, and farming experience. Its explanatory contribution nevertheless remained moderate, indicating that propensity operates alongside other individual and contextual influences on innovation. The study provides an initial conceptualisation and empirical assessment of innovation propensity and proposes the IPMS as a context-specific instrument requiring further validation. More broadly, the findings highlight the value of considering psychological orientations alongside structural and socio-economic factors when examining farmers' engagement with innovation.