Economic analysis of adoption of conservation agriculture practices among maize farming household in the Northwest Region, Vietnam

This study analyze the economics of adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) practices in the Northwest region. Socioeconomic characteristics of maize farming households and the current situation of adopting rate of CA practices in the Northwest region of Vietnam increased over the period of time. The motivation and constraint of adoption of CA practices were identified. Impacts of psychological factors on the intentions of farmers to adopt CA practices were investigated by using structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings suggested that farmer's intention to adopt CA practices depends on the five socio-psychological components of extended theory of planned behavior. Attitude, Subjective norm, Perceived behavioral control, Knowledge and Perceived severity. Knowledge was the most significant variable in controlling intention, while attitude and PBC also played a crucial role in intention. Factors influencing the actual adoption and intensity of CA practices were examined using multivariate probit model and ordered probit model. The results revealed that the probability and extent of adoption of CA practices are influenced by several factors: education of household head, farmer' intention, credit access, training on CA practices, distance to cooperative, contract extension agent and member of farmers' groups. The impacts of CA practices adoption on maize yields and maize income were examined. The multinomial endogenous switching regression model was employed to correct for selection bias and endogeneity that emanates from both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. The results found that CA practices have positive effects on maize yield and maize income. The effects of CA practices on the outcome variables are higher when CA practices are adopted in combinations than in isolation. The study recommended the following to increase the adoption of CA practices: (1)Conduct the training courses on the CA practices for the farmers and communities, (2)Promote peer learning, and (3)Strengthening local institutions.