Intention to Accept Organic Agricultural Production of Vietnamese Farmers: An Investigation Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the Vietnamese farmers’ intention to accept organic farming based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). After in-depth interviews with five agricultural researchers and five farmers, the authors have identified a formal research model and built a complete survey. Data were collected from 318 farmers in Hanoi, Vietnam, by surveying directly at their homes or farms. Statistical methods, such as Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and linear regression analysis, were used to analyze the data with the help of SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0. The results show that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control have a positive influence on farmers’ intention to accept organic farming in Vietnam. Based on the degree of impact of these factors, the authors give a few suggestions to state management agencies to promote the intention to accept organic farming in Vietnam: (i) increasing awareness of the difference between organic farming and conventional farming, the role of organic farming in health and the environment; (ii) increasing the activities of guiding the organic farming practices and facilitating the farmers to access these guides through many channels; and (iii) holding sessions to share practices in organic farming practices.