Assessment of farmers' knowledge, attitude and perceptions towards organic farming in Cagayan, Valley, Philippine

The study investigated farmers' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards organic farming as soil quality enhancement strategy. Simple random sampling was used to randomly select 1,500 food crops farmers from the valley. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire through interview schedule and were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results revealed that 86.1% of the farmers are aware of organic farming, with the remainders having low level knowledge. It implies that farmers have good knowledge of organic farming and the knowledge could influence them towards a favorable perception of organic farming. Farmers are highly aware of bio-organic fertilizer (80.70%) poultry manure (73.90%), compost/humus (61.80%), bat manure (58.30%), and vermicast/vermicompost (42%). Awareness on the benefits of organic farming is limited improvement of soil fertility (72.5%); benefit to the environment (56.7%), reduction of production cost (54.9%); and its benefits to beneficial insects (52.3%). The farmers are not aware that organically grown products command higher market price and more health benefits (43.1%). Among the foremost problems and constraints experienced by adopter of in organic farming are the difficulty of sourcing animal manure (47.1%); slow effect of organic fertilizer (28.4%) and the cost of organic fertilizer (29.2%). The result of this research is envisioned to add knowledge in the yield of organic farming. It serves as baseline data for policy formulation by government to promote the massive use of organic fertilizers. Policy recommendation emanating from the study are: active involvement of youths and women in organic crop production, improvement of information sources on organic farming and enlightenments on various organic methods of weeds, pest and disease control through regular sources of information on organic farming. Farmers should be motivated through credit facilities and discouragement of inorganic farming in order to ensure sustainable production of food, since the farmers have a favorable perception towards organic farming.