Abstract:
Rubber is one of Sri Lanka's most important plantation crops, contributing signihcantly
to the rural economy and export earnings. Smallholder rubber farmers play a vital role
in sustaining Sri Lankan natural rubber industry. Replanting decisions are shaped by a
combination of economic, social and environmental and understanding these elements
is essential for improving replanting rates, enhancing productivity and ensuring the
long-term sustainability and viability of smallholder rubber cultivation. However, many
smallholders face challenges in making timely replanting decisions. The study is aimed
to identifu and analyze the key determinants that affect smallholders' willingness,
readiness and capacity to engage in rubber replanting process in Govinna region in
Kalutara District. A sample of 100 respondents were selected using a simple random
sampling method and data were collected through a pre-tested structured questionnaire.
The analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 employing descriptive statistics and
multiple regression analysis to explore the relationship between the variables. With an
R2 value of 0.771, the regression model showed a high degree of explanatory power,
meaning that these factors could account for 77.1o/o of the variation in replanting
decisions with economic factors (p:0.000), social factors (p:0.013) and
environmental factors (p: 0.000) emerging as significant positive influence. The study
concludes that enhancing access to credit, ensuring stable market circumstances, social
support networks and environmental sustainability are important factors that influence
smallholder rubber farmers' replanting strategies. Smallholders' participation in
replanting can be greatly increased by strengthening financial support systems, raising
awareness of replanting initiatives and offering technical training. It is anticipated that
these findings would help policy makers and development organizaions in formulated
targeted interventions to promote sustainable rubber cultivation and raise the
livelihoods of smallholder farmers
