1. Introduction
Over recent decades, land consolidation has become a cornerstone strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and advancing environmental sustainability worldwide. Land fragmentation poses severe operational challenges for modern agriculture, frequently leading to inflated production costs, restricted machinery deployment, and diminished ecological resilience. Beyond merely optimizing resource efficiency, structural land integration carries profound socioeconomic implications for rural communities. Because successful policy implementation hinges on community adoption, understanding farmers' behavioral intentions toward land consolidation—and uncovering the underlying drivers of these intentions—is crucial for successful program design. To address this need, the present study draws upon Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to model the psychological and environmental factors influencing farmers' willingness to participate in land consolidation programs. The research focuses specifically on the Mian-Ab District of Shushtar County, located in Khuzestan Province, Iran. By providing empirical insight into farmer decision-making in this region, the findings offer actionable guidance for policymakers and land managers seeking to design effective, sustainable land management strategies.

2. Methodology
This investigation employed a quantitative, descriptive-analytical research design. The target population comprised all active farmers within the Mian-Ab District of Shushtar County, Khuzestan Province ( ). Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size determination table, a sample of 301 farmers was selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure proportional representation across sub-regions. Primary data were gathered using a structured, researcher-designed questionnaire. Content validity was established through rigorous expert evaluation by faculty members at Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Internal consistency and reliability were confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Construct validity and overall model reliability were further validated using Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Composite Reliability (CR) metrics, respectively. Finally, the empirical model was tested via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)—an analytical approach well-suited for evaluating complex, direct and indirect interrelationships among multiple latent variables simultaneously.

3. Findings
The structural equation modeling results revealed that five core theoretical variables significantly drive farmers' behavioral intentions toward land consolidation. First, outcome expectations proved fundamental; farmers who anticipate clear personal gains—such as reduced operational costs, increased crop yield, and improved household livelihoods—demonstrate a markedly higher willingness to participate in consolidation programs. Second, the perception of others' behavior exerts a strong normative influence, indicating that social proof and observing peer adoption play a pivotal role in shaping individual attitudes toward land integration. Third, self-efficacy emerged as a key psychological determinant, as farmers with higher confidence in their ability to adapt to integrated farming operations showed greater readiness to embrace consolidation. Fourth, organizational and structural support systems—including targeted technical training, extension services, and financial subsidies—substantially lower adoption friction and facilitate participation. Fifth, systemic barriers continue to act as critical inhibitors; issues such as complex land ownership regulations, resistance from neighboring landowners, and economic uncertainty significantly hinder voluntary adoption. Together, these five factors account for 52% of the total variance in farmers' behavioral intentions toward land consolidation ( ). These empirical results underscore that agricultural modernization depends as heavily on managing social and cognitive perceptions as it does on technical or financial planning.

4. Discussion and Conclusion
Achieving successful land consolidation requires a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy that balances psychological drivers, community dynamics, and economic realities. From a legislative perspective, policymakers must establish clear legal frameworks to curb further land fragmentation and restrict unauthorized land-use conversions, thereby safeguarding sustainable agricultural development. Simultaneously, agricultural extension agencies should implement targeted educational initiatives designed to heighten farmers' awareness of the tangible, long-term benefits of consolidated farming operations. To complement these educational measures, well-aligned economic incentives should be deployed to ensure farmers perceive the consolidation process as financially advantageous. Eliminating institutional and legal bottlenecks is equally imperative; proactively identifying operational hurdles and implementing accessible resolution mechanisms will directly increase community buy-in. Finally, land consolidation initiatives must embrace community-based, participatory frameworks. By strengthening agricultural cooperatives and fostering a collaborative culture among local landholders, authorities can secure the long-term viability and social sustainability of land integration programs.