Modelling the factors affecting the adoption of ecofriendly rice production in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Abstract

While the introduction of agro-chemicals has had positive effects on rice productivity, its application has also caused environmental pollution and biodiversity losses. To reduce the pollution, the Vietnamese government has implemented several programs to encourage eco-friendly cultivation practices to discourage the overuse of agro-chemicals. However, farmers in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta have resisted the adoption of these eco-friendly practices. The current study aimed at investigating the factors affecting the adoption of eco-friendly rice production practices. We conducted structured interviews with 202 rice farmers. Analysis using generalized ordered logit regression produced evidence that membership in agricultural cooperatives or clubs, perception of biodiversity losses, perceived ease of use, farmer experience, and the perceived difference in selling price all had positive effects on adoption, while risk perception and the number of paddy plots negatively affected the adoption. We also found that the single eco practice (adoption of one eco-friendly practice in rice farming) had the highest economic achievement. One more interesting finding is that a large proportion of farmers who use conventional methods shared similar characteristics with eco rice farmers. Based on the results, to promote the adoption of eco practices, it is necessary to create an incentive mechanism to encourage farmers to join farmer organizations. In addition, policy makers should focus on informing farmers about mitigating risks such as adverse climatic impacts, polluted water, and other environmental threats. Technical training courses and other information-sharing meetings should also be required to introduce to farmers about the benefits of eco practices.