ADOPTION OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROGRAM AMONG UPLAND VEGETABLE FARMERS IN MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Alexander N. Morados, Jr.

Abstract

The study sought to describe the factors affecting the adoption of organic agriculture program among upland vegetables farmers in Mambajao, Camiguin from 2012-2015. Complete random sampling was used in the selection of adopters and non-adopters. Data were gathered by means of a personally administered survey questionnaires, focus group discussion, key informant interview and observation. Frequency counts, percentages, means, standards deviation, ranks, correlation and regression analysis were used in the description and analysis of the data.

The findings showed that economic factors such as availability of farm inputs (fertilizers and seeds), and availability of farm tools/machinery; and cultural factors which include membership in any organization and attendance in trainings and seminars were significantly associated (p < .05) with the adoption of organic agriculture program. In the cost and return analysis, non-adopters had higher returns but less net earnings (return above all cost) while adopters have lesser return but had higher net earnings.

Regression analysis found three variables which influenced the adoption of the program: membership in any organization (cultural factor), availability of farm tools (economic factor), and aspiration in life such as owning home appliances (psychological factor). These three variables contributed 71.1% to the total variation in the adoption of the program.

To promote the adoption of Organic Agriculture Programs, provision of infrastractures and organizational supports are necessary.

Keywords: organic agriculture, eggplant, bitter gourd, technology adoption.