Examining the willingness to produce organic vegetables in the Bono and Ahafo regions of Ghana
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 20 May 2020
Issue publication date: 8 June 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to analyse the demographic, crop choice, institutional and environmental factors that will influence the vegetable growers in Bono and Ahafo regions of Ghana to produce organic vegetables. The study also assessed the knowledge level of vegetable growers on organic certification processes.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected with the help of a structured questionnaire from 120 vegetable growers via a multistage sampling technique. The Heckman selection model was used to analyse the factors that influence farmers' willingness to adopt organic production as well as the intensity of adoption.
Findings
In this study, pepper (Capsicum spp) production, residential status, knowledge of organic certification processes, perceived negative environmental effect of conventional farming on the soil, and climate change positively influenced willingness to produce organic vegetables. Likewise, pepper production perceived negative environmental effect of conventional farming on the soil positively influenced the intensity of adoption. Household headship status, garden egg (Solanum integrifolium) production, perceived knowledge on grading and standards of vegetables, as well as the perception that only pesticides can be used to control vegetable pests negatively influenced the willingness to produce organic vegetables however perceived expertise of the farmer on grades and standards influenced intensity of adoption negatively.
Originality/value
In Ghana, even though most vegetable farmers do not have the requisite knowledge in the safe handling of pesticides, usage is widespread. Subsequent to this, is a health risk to farmers, consumers and the environment. As a result, there is a growing awareness that organic agriculture has a role to play in addressing problems associated with agrochemical use and over usage. However, most studies are consumer oriented with limited empirical research on the willingness to produce organics by farmers.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2019-0723
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would also like to thank Mr. Benard Andoh and Mr. Amproche Amprofi, and staff of MOFA, Sunyani Regional office for their support during data collection.
Citation
Dapaah Opoku, P., Bannor, R.K. and Oppong-Kyeremeh, H. (2020), "Examining the willingness to produce organic vegetables in the Bono and Ahafo regions of Ghana", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 47 No. 5, pp. 619-641. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-12-2019-0723
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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