Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet

Abstract

This study aimed to determine if organic is acceptable in the place, the farmers’ awareness on organic farming in the place, and the reasons of farmers for not practicing organic farming in the area. There were 50 respondents that were interviewed. The studies revealed that majority of the respondents were male, aged from 30 to 60 old, married, and had attained a low level of formal education. It can be inferred also that all of the respondents were farmers and farming was the main source of their income for more than ten years. From the available data, all of the respondents were practicing conventional farming. Majority of them heard about organic farming but there were still some of them that did not hear about organic farming because of some factors/reasons. The factors/reasons for their non-awareness on organic farming were because nobody was practicing organic farming in their community, there was no available information about organic farming, and organic farming was not the trending practice in the area. Most of them also did not try producing organic vegetables because of internal and external factors/reasons. The internal reasons/factors for the non-adoption of organic farming were because of inadequate knowledge, not convenient to apply, low yield, and poor quality of crops produce while the external factors/reasons for the non-adoption of organic farming were because of the soil fertility in the area had already gone, there were no seminars and trainings about organic farming, and they were used to do with the easiest way (conventional farming). It was found out that organic farming was sustainable that according to them, they can formulate their own fertilizers from the resources in the environment. It was more economical in terms of inputs used. It was also found out that it did not need higher level of education as long as there are agriculturists/facilitators to teach organic farming. Organic produce were nutritious to eat. Conventional farming was easier to adopt but it required specialized skill. In terms of appearance, conventional products were better. Organic farming was acceptable in the place but for now, it is not suitable because the soil fertility in the area has already gone. Maybe it can be apply but the crops maturity takes longer time, in small sizes, and low yield. In the area, composting is the organic farming technology that they are aware of. Most of the respondents are willing to go into organic farming if there is support from the government especially technical support and with market support where concerned institution established stable market for organic vegetables.