Farmers' attitudes towards GM crops and their predictors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Genetically modified (GM) crops have become a controversial global issue since their commercialization in 1996. However, despite technological advancements, only a few studies have investigated farmers' attitudes towards GM crops in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to analyse such attitudes and their determining factors. A validated questionnaire was distributed to farmers in the Cameron Highlands, Pahang (n = 176). SPSS software was used to analyse the descriptive statistics of the farmers' attitudes to GM crops, while SmartPLS software was used to determine the predictors.RESULTS: Descriptive analysis shows that the farmers claimed to have a high level of self-efficacy, and perceived GM crops as possessing high benefits which translate into a highly positive attitude towards GM crops. However, at the same time, they rated GM crops as involving moderate risks and would incur moderate costs to farm, as well as acknowledging a low level of support from the government. The structural equation model (SEM) analysis demonstrates that five factors have been identified as direct predictors of attitude to GM crops: government support (ß = 0.364, P < 0.001), perceived costs (ß = −0.282, P < 0.01), perceived risks (ß = −0.227, P < 0.01), perceived benefits (ß = 0.205, P < 0.01) and perceived self-efficacy (ß = 0.199, P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the existing knowledge and provides empirical support in explaining the factors that influence farmers' decisions to adopt GM crops and have significant implications for the future development of agrobiotechnology in Malaysia and in other developing countries.

“To Do, or Not to Do?”: Determinants of Stakeholders’ Acceptance on Dengue Vaccine Using PLS-SEM Analysis between Scientists and Public in Malaysia.

“…The study's ndings clearly show a bipolar relationship between predictor factors with perceptions of bene t and risk, as Alhakimi and Slovic (1994) described [66]. Mustapa et al (2021) discovered that stakeholders' acceptance of new technology is signi cantly in uenced by high perceived bene ts and low perceived risks [67]. Therefore, the nding is further elucidated by previous studies, who showed an inverse relationship between general predictor factors such as belief in priorities, attitudes towards nature, and religion with perceptions of bene t and risk in determining the acceptance of Wolbachia and Outdoor Residual Spraying techniques [17,18].…”

“To do, or not to do?”: determinants of stakeholders’ acceptance on dengue vaccine using PLS-SEM analysis in Malaysia

“…The study's findings clearly show a bipolar relationship between predictor factors with perceptions of benefit and risk, as described by Alhakimi and Slovic [70]. Mustapa et al [71] discovered that stakeholders' acceptance of new technology is significantly influenced by high perceived benefits and low perceived risks. Therefore, the finding is further elucidated by previous studies, who showed an inverse relationship between general predictor factors such as belief in priorities, attitudes towards nature, and religion with perceptions of benefit and risk in determining the acceptance of Wolbachia and Outdoor Residual Spraying techniques [13,18].…”

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“…Mustafa et al [31], in the study of the Malaysian environment, provide empirical support for an explanation of the predictors that influence farmers' attitudes toward adopting GM crops. This study reflects that Malaysian farmers display positive attitudes toward GM crops.…”

“…The institutional factors governing the activities involving GMOs have legal and administrative frameworks that provide rules, guidelines, and assistance [31]. As part of international trade agreements, many countries have agreed to protect seed companies' intellectual property rights through national legislation [35].…”