Psychosocial factors differentiating organic and conventional farmers

Abstract

Despite the environmental and health benefits associated with organic farming in developing countries, the adoption rate of organic farming is  lower and the exit rate is also increasing. This study compares the characteristics of organic, former organic, and conventional farmers, focusing on  psychosocial factors. Cross-sectional data about the characteristics, attitudes and perceptions of farmers were collected from the three types of  farmers in the cotton-growing areas of Benin. Descriptive statistics were used to identify differences in characteristics and psychosocial factors  between the three farmers groups. The results show that organic farmers and former organic farmers are similar in most characteristics. In terms  of psychosocial factors, organic farmers are more environmentally conscious, profit oriented and risk averse than other types of farmers.  Conventional farmers express lower environmental concerns and share similarities with organic farmers in terms of information seeking attitudes.  Organic farmers also perceive lower risk constraints associated with organic cotton production than conventional farmers. This study could help  improve policies to promote adoption of organic farming in developing countries.