Japanese organic farmers' attitudes and behavior utilizing modified grounded theory approach:case from Ogawa, Saitama [Japan]
2023
Matsumoto, M. | Sato, K. | Shimoguchi, N.N.
The dissemination of organic agriculture (OA) technologies in Japan must expand further. According to past studies, the adoption of or conversion to OA is influenced by farmers' attitudes. However, the studies examining this topic are limited in Japan. Thus, this study aims to identify the structure of the farmers' attitudes and behavior toward OA utilizing the Modified Grounded Theory Approach (M-GTA). The semi-structured interviews were conducted with four organic farmers in 2022 in Ogawa town of Saitama prefecture. M-GTA generated the theory of a process of engaging in OA. Since the farmers did not intend to engage in OA, they initially started working in the non-agricultural industry. The farmer from a farming family had helped with his parents' conventional agriculture while working.At that time, he had a bad experience with pesticides, which made him decide to convert to OA. The farmers from non-farming families became conscious of engaging in agriculture and started learning agriculture and OA. The direct or indirect relations with agriculture before employment is considered to influence this attitude. After completing training under organic farmers, they started OA themselves. After farmers engaged in OA, they faced several problems in agricultural management and tackled these problems through trial and error. The existence of supporters seems to be the most significant factor, which greatly influences learning, engaging in, and continuing OA. Besides, the farmers have the most difficulty discovering and obtaining farming methods suitable for their farmlands. As an approach to that, they have integrated various techniques learned from books, seminars, and other farmers in and outside the town. Therefore, it could benefit current and prospective organic farmers to provide opportunities to learn OA from several organic farmers and seminars and to acquaint them with useful and valuable materials.
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