Determinants of Biological Control Agent Adoption Among OPAG-Assisted Rice Farmers in South Cotabato
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20110942Keywords:
adoption, biological control agents, integrated pest management, rice farmers, South Cotabato, sustainable agricultureAbstract
This study analyzed the determinants influencing the adoption of biological control agents (BCAs) among OPAG-assisted rice farmers in South Cotabato. Specifically, it described farmers' socioeconomic profiles, determined adoption levels, examined the relationship between farmer characteristics and adoption, identified key determinants, determined constraints, and developed policy recommendations. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed involving 244 randomly selected farmers from major rice-producing municipalities. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, regression analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and Garrett ranking. Results showed that 60.7% of farmers adopted BCAs, indicating a transition toward early majority adoption, although use remained partial and selective. Chi-square and regression analyses showed that awareness, training, irrigation access, and institutional support significantly influenced adoption, while most demographic and farm characteristics were not significant predictors. Exploratory factor analysis identified five determinants: institutional support and extension services, perceived effectiveness and environmental benefits, social influence, economic factors, and market and technical access. Among these, institutional support and perceived effectiveness emerged as strong drivers, whereas limited market and technical access remained a critical constraint. Garrett ranking confirmed that lack of knowledge and limited market availability were the leading barriers. The study that BCA adoption is knowledge-driven and institutionally mediated rather than primarily determined by demographic characteristics. Strengthened extension services, expanded farmer training, improved irrigation access, and reliable BCA supply systems are recommended to promote sustainable pest management in rice production.
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