Factors affecting non-adoption of organic farming: A systematic literature review

Abstract:

Organic farming has become a viable alternative form of farming that can assist in creating environmental preservation, soil health and food security in the long-term, yet it has not been extensively adopted by farmers in most parts. This paper assists in the systematic examinations of reasons behind the failure of organic farming uptake by drawing on the evidence provided in the literature review. The systematic literature review method was taken in which 130 articles were first measured using Google scholar and research gate and through a serious screening process using specific search criteria including and exclusion criteria 36 valuable articles were determined to be finally analysed. The results indicate that non adoption is caused by numerous inter-related factors such as ignorance and training, the unavailability of organic inputs, low consumer demand, marketing, issues of profitability, insufficient policy and institutional accommodation, risks of yield during the conversion period, complexity of certification, and resources and labor shortages. Based on these knowledge gaps, economic and market related challenges were the most common barriers that came out in the reviewed studies. This work completed emphasizes the role that both farm level and Brader institutional and market systems have in the adoption decisions. The results may indicate the need to enhance the training programs, reinforce the input supply systems as well as improve the market infrastructure and policy support to encourage the adoption of organic farming.