Influence of Social and Human Capital on Farmers' Compliance and Sustainability with Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture in Benguet, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70884/mjsir.v86i1.614Keywords:
Organic farming compliance, Social capital, Human capital, Sustainability of organic farming, Mediation analysisAbstract
This study examines the influence of social and human capital on compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture (PNSOA) and the sustainability of this compliance among 137 certified organic farmers in Benguet, Philippines. Survey data were collected from active members of six certified organic Farmer Organizations across La Trinidad, Itogon, and Tublay using descriptive-correlational research design. Key dimensions assessed included social networks, social trust, civic-mindedness, and community cohesiveness (social capital), and environmental attitude, risk attitude, information-seeking behavior, and knowledge of organic farming (human capital). Regression and mediation analyses were conducted to examine direct and indirect relationships among these variables. Regression show that social trust and information-seeking behavior are strongest predictors of compliance with PNSOA standards. Risk attitude and knowledge of organic farming also exert significant positive effects on compliance, while profit orientation shows a negative relationship. Mediation analysis reveals that compliance fully mediates the relationships of both social capital and human capital with the sustainability of compliance. Results are consistent with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT). Policy implications include targeted training programs, stable market linkages for organic produce, and trust-strengthening mechanisms within farmer organizations to reinforce both compliance and long-term sustainability.
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