Abstract

The principal factors might play an important role in adoption of organic farming among farmers. A broad range of factors which exercise influence on adoption are covered including the socio-economic characteristics of the farmer, the characteristics of the farm, sources of information, membership of organizations, the farmer's attitudes, etc. This study hopefully captures the state of research with respect to the different determining factors of organic agriculture adoption among small farmers in Iran. The study was carried out in Ravansar County, Kermanshah Province of Iran. The data for the research were obtained from two different groups using random sampling technique: one from a sample of 51 organic farmers and one from a sample of 50 farmers, who as far as could be ascertained, have not made the conversion to organic farming. Through designed instruments, respondents rated multiple statements about their practices as well as their knowledge, awareness, motivation and attitudes regarding organic agriculture. Findings of the study points out that farmers’ attitude was significantly and positively correlated with some of the adoption variables that is prevention of detrimental factors to farms, mechanical-physical control and cultural control. Our findings suggest that farmers’ motivation and perceptions about organic farming, social attitude, ecological attitude and participation in extension activities are the main determinants of adoption of organic farming among small farmers.

Key words: Organic agriculture, adoption, barriers, small farmers, regression analysis.a