The adoption of good agricultural practices by Cambodian vegetable growers : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Commerce at Lincoln University

Abstract

The over-use of chemical substances, such as pesticides and herbicides, poses a risk to consumers in Cambodia. The country has recorded many food poisoning cases in the last few years. As a result, there are efforts to increase food safety. The Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP) is a food safety standard introduced in 1996. South-East Asian nations adopted and named it ASEANGAP in 2006. Following this, Cambodia adopted the ASEANGAP as a local voluntary standard called CamGAP in 2010. Nearly a decade later, 51 Cambodian vegetable producers were certified to this standard. Using the “building theories from cases” approach, a qualitative study was conducted to understand CamGAP diffusion and adoption motivations among Cambodian vegetable growers. Two provinces consisting of Kandal and Battambang were selected to represent Cambodia's two significant vegetable production areas. The study identified six cases to represent three adopter categories in both provinces. The three categories are certified adopters, non-certified adopters and non-adopters. The study collected data by conducting semi-structured interviews with 18 farmers, two provincial extension officers, one national extension officer and one non-government officer. All interviews were conducted via Zoom or Messenger Room and translated from Khmer to English language. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed via “NVivo 12 and Microsoft Excel”. The research identified that extension officers and peers were the crucial persons in CamGAP diffusion. They were the farmers' primary knowledge sources. In-depth knowledge among the farmers was essential to realise the adoption and diffusion of CamGAP. Farmers obtained in-depth knowledge from attending extensive training courses and guided field applications. Farmers were motivated by financial gains, such as stable premium prices, saving costs, and personal well-being. Lack of financial rewards and in-depth knowledge negatively impacted CamGAP diffusion and adoption.