Abstract
This study examined the influencing factors of the self-reported behavioral intentions toward genetically modified (GM) crops using a multi-stakeholder approach in the Khuzestan Province in Southwest Iran. The study focused on three different groups, including: “agricultural students,” “agricultural private firms’ managers” and “rich-resource farmers.” Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and was analyzed by SPSS (V20) and AMOS (V20). Results indicated that the respondents perceive more benefits than risks for GM crops and that the perception of benefits and risks, respectively, had positive and negative impacts on the self-reported behavioral intention of the respondents. The knowledge of the respondents regarding these crops had positive impacts on perception of benefits. The results showed that both managers and students worried about the food safety and impact of GM crops on human health while farmers worried about the environmental risks of GM crops. The results also revealed that those who are the most conscious about GM crops are more trusted. The findings also showed that the majority of the respondents hold a positive view of the potential of GM crops.
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
Bt crops are plants that have been genetically modified to produce certain proteins from the soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which makes these plants resistant to certain lepidopteran and coleopteran species (Ghoochani et al. 2016b).
Hereafter, we call this group as “farmers”.
Because the sample size is on the edge of small sampling by path analysis, the model between groups was not tested.
References
Aerni, P. (2002). Public attitudes towards agricultural biotechnology in South Africa. Final report, a joint research project of the Center of International Development (CID) (pp. 1–30). Harvard University, USA, and the Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU), University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.
Amin, L., Azad, M. A. K., Gausmian, M. H., & Zulkifli, F. (2014). Determinants of public attitudes to genetically modified salmon. PLoS ONE, 9(1), e86174.
Amin, L., Md Jahi, J., & Md Nor, A. R. (2013). Stakeholders’ attitude to genetically modified foods and medicine. The Scientific World Journal, 2013, 1–15.
Amin, L., Noor, A. A. A., Jamil, A., Hasrizul, H., Abdul, L. S., & Mohamad, S. H. (2011). Ethical perception of synthetic biology. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(58), 12469–12480.
Anderson, J. C., Wachenheim, C. J., & Lesch, W. C. (2007). Perceptions of genetically modified and organic foods and processes. AgBioForum, 9(3), 180–194.
Angulo, A. M., & Gil, J. M. (2007). Spanish consumers’ attitudes and acceptability towards GM food products. Agricultural Economics Review, 8(1), 50.
Azadi, H., Ghanian, M., Ghoochani, O. M., Khachak, P. R., Taning, C. N., & Hajivand, R. Y., et al. (2015). Genetically modified crops: Towards agricultural growth, agricultural development or agricultural sustainability? Food Reviews International, 31(3), 195–221.
Azadi, H., & Ho, P. (2010). Genetically modified and organic crops in developing countries: A review of options for food security. Biotechnology Advances, 28(1), 160–168.
Azzam, Z. A. (2013). Managers’ perspective towards perceived risks associated with technology based self services a case of-Jordan Banks. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 4(11), 46–64.
Bazuin, S., Azadi, H., & Witlox, F. (2011). Application of GM crops in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons learned from green revolution. Biotechnology Advances, 29(6), 908–912.
Brankov, T. P., Sibalija, T., Lovre, K., Cvijanovic, D., & Subic, J. (2013). The impact of biotechnology knowledge on the acceptance of genetically modified food in Serbia. Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 18(3), 8295–8306.
Bredahl, L. (2001). Determinants of consumer attitudes and purchase intentions with regard to genetically modified foods—Results of a cross-national survey. Consumer Policy, 24(1), 23–61.
Bredahl, L., Grunert, K. G., & Frewer, L. J. (1998). Consumer attitudes and decision-making with regard to genetically engineered food products—A review of the literature and a presentation of models for future research. Journal of Consumer Policy, 21(3), 251–277.
Buah, J. (2011). Public perception of genetically modified food in Ghana JN Buah. American Journal of Food Technology, 6(7), 541–554.
Chen, M.-F. (2008). An integrated research framework to understand consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward genetically modified foods. British Food Journal, 110(6), 559–579.
Chen, M.-F., & Li, H.-L. (2007). The consumer’s attitude toward genetically modified foods in Taiwan. Food Quality and Preference, 18(4), 662–674.
Chuang, S.-C., Kao, D. T., Cheng, Y.-H., & Chou, C.-A. (2012). The effect of incomplete information on the compromise effect. Judgment and Decision Making, 7(2), 196.
Costa-Font, M., & Gil, J. M. (2009). Structural equation modelling of consumer acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food in the Mediterranean Europe: A cross country study. Food Quality and Preference, 20(6), 399–409.
Costa-Font, M., Gil, J. M., & Traill, W. B. (2008). Consumer acceptance, valuation of and attitudes towards genetically modified food: Review and implications for food policy. Food Policy, 33(2), 99–111.
De Dominicis, S., Fornara, F., Cancellieri, U. G., Twigger-Ross, C., & Bonaiuto, M. (2015). We are at risk, and so what? Place attachment, environmental risk perceptions and preventive coping behaviours. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 43, 66–78.
De Janvry, A., & Sadoulet, E. (2009). Agricultural growth and poverty reduction: Additional evidence. The World Bank Research Observer, 25, 1–20.
Delwaide, A.-C., Nalley, L. L., Dixon, B. L., Danforth, D. M., Nayga, R. M., Jr., Van Loo, E. J., et al. (2015). Revisiting GMOs: Are there differences in European consumers’ acceptance and valuation for cisgenically versus transgenically bred rice? PLoS ONE, 10(5), e0126060.
Devos, Y., Demont, M., Dillen, K., Reheul, D., Kaiser, M., & Sanvido, O. (2009). Coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops in the European Union. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 29(1), 11–30.
Dona, A., & Arvanitoyannis, I. S. (2009). Health risks of genetically modified foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 49(2), 164–175.
Earle, T., Siegrist, M., & Gutscher, H. (2001). The influence of trust and confidence on perceived risks and cooperation (EMC Zurich Symposium ed.). Electromagnetic Compatibility Supplement, Zurich: ETH–IKT (pp. 183–184).
Frewer, L., Lassen, J., Kettlitz, B., Scholderer, J., Beekman, V., & Berdal, K. G. (2004). Societal aspects of genetically modified foods. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 42(7), 1181–1193.
Ghanian, M., Ghoochani, O. M., Kitterlin, M., Jahangiry, S., Zarafshani, K., & Van Passel, S. (2015). Attitudes of agricultural experts toward genetically modified crops: A case study in Southwest Iran. Science and Engineering Ethics, 22(2), 509–524.
Ghanian, M., Ghoochani, O. M., Kitterlin, M., Jahangiry, S., Zarafshani, K., Van Passel, S., et al. (2016). Attitudes of agricultural experts toward genetically modified crops: A case study in Southwest Iran. Science and Engineering Ethics, 22(2), 509–524.
Ghasemi, S., Karami, E., & Azadi, H. (2013). Knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions of agricultural professionals toward genetically modified (GM) foods: A case study in Southwest Iran. Science and Engineering Ethics, 19(3), 1201–1227.
Ghoochani, O., Ghanian, M., Baradaran, M., & Azadi, H. (2016a). Factors influencing Stakeholders™ behavioral intention toward Bt rice in Iran. GMO Biosafety Research, 6, 1–7.
Ghoochani, O. M., Ghanian, M., Baradaran, M., & Azadi, H. (2016b). Multi Stakeholders’ attitudes toward Bt rice in Southwest, Iran: Application of TPB and multi attribute models. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 1–23.
Giger, E., Prem, R., Leen, M. (2009). Increase of agricultural production based on genetically modified food to meet population growth demands. School of Doctoral Studies (European Union) Journal, 1, 98–124.
Gilbert, N. (2013). A hard look at GM crops. Nature, 497(7447), 24–26.
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis: A global perspective. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Hall, C. (2008). Identifying farmer attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) crops in Scotland: Are they pro-or anti-GM? Geoforum, 39(1), 204–212.
Hall, C., Toma, L., & Moran, D. (2009). Investigation of the factors influencing adoption of GM crops at country level. In 2009 Conference, August 16–22, 2009, Beijing, China (No. 50366). International Association of Agricultural Economists.
Han, J. H. (2006). The effects of perceptions on consumer acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods (Doctoral dissertation, Chonnam National University).
Henry, J. W., & Stone, R. W. (1994). A structural equation model of end-user satisfaction with a computer-based medical information system. IRMJ, 7(3), 21–33.
Hosseini, S. J. F., Ehsani, V., & Lashgarara, F. (2011). Exploiting the application of genetically modified crops by farmers in Iran. American Journal of Scientific Research, 7, 138–144.
House, L., Lusk, J., Jaeger, S., Traill, W. B., Moore, M., Valli, C., Morrow, B., & Yee, W. M. S. (2004). Objective and subjective knowledge: Impacts on consumer demand for genetically modified foods in the United States and the European Union. AgBioForum, 7(3), 113–123.
Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55.
Huang, J., Qiu, H., Bai, J., & Pray, C. (2006). Awareness, acceptance of and willingness to buy genetically modified foods in Urban China. Appetite, 46(2), 144–151.
Kim, R. B. (2012). Consumer attitude of risk and benefits toward genetically modified (GM) foods in South Korea: Implications for food policy. Engineering Economics, 23(2), 189–199.
Koenig-Lewis, N., Palmer, A., Dermody, J., & Urbye, A. (2014). Consumers’ evaluations of ecological packaging—Rational and emotional approaches. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 37, 94–105.
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30, 607–610.
Lucht, J. M. (2015). Public acceptance of plant biotechnology and GM crops. Viruses, 7(8), 4254–4281.
Martinez-Poveda, A., Molla-Bauza, M. B., del Campo Gomis, F. J., & Martinez, L. M.-C. (2009). Consumer-perceived risk model for the introduction of genetically modified food in Spain. Food Policy, 34(6), 519–528.
Mitchell, R. K., Agle, B. R., & Wood, D. J. (1997). Toward a theory of stakeholder identification and salience: Defining the principle of who and what really counts. Academy of Management Review, 22(4), 853–886.
Morrow, B. H. (2009). Risk behavior and risk communication: Synthesis and expert interviews. Final Report for the NOAA Coastal Services Center (p. 53).
Nganje, W., Wachenhiem, C., & Lesch, W. (2009). A comparison between perception of risk and willingness to serve genetically modified foods. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 40(2), 57–71.
Pino, G., Amatulli, C., De Angelis, M., & Peluso, A. M. (2016). The influence of corporate social responsibility on consumers’ attitudes and intentions toward genetically modified foods: Evidence from Italy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, 2861–2869.
Prati, G., Pietrantoni, L., & Zani, B. (2012). The prediction of intention to consume genetically modified food: Test of an integrated psychosocial model. Food Quality and Preference, 25(2), 163–170.
Qaim, M., & De Janvry, A. (2003). Genetically modified crops, corporate pricing strategies, and farmers’ adoption: The case of Bt cotton in Argentina. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 85(4), 814–828.
Ravallion, M. (2013). How long will it take to lift one billion people out of poverty? The World Bank Research Observer, 28(2), 139–158.
Rogers, E. (1983). Diffusion of innovations (3rd ed.). London: The free press, A Division of Macmillan publishing co. Inc.
Rudi, L.-M., Azadi, H., & Witlox, F. (2012). Reconcilability of socio-economic development and environmental conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global and Planetary Change, 86, 1–10.
Schnettler, B., Miranda, H., Sepúlveda, J., & Denegri, M. (2012). Consumer preferences of genetically modified foods of vegetal and animal origin in Chile. Food Science and Technology (Campinas), 32(1), 15–25.
Schreiber, J. B., Nora, A., Stage, F. K., Barlow, E. A., & King, J. (2006). Reporting structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis results: A review. The Journal of Educational Research, 99(6), 323–338.
Senarath, S. N., & Karunagoda, R. P. (2012). Consumer attitude towards labeling of genetically modified foods in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 23(3), 283–288.
Sharma, R. (2012). Ensuring the success of feed the future: Analysis and recommendations on gender integration. Global Agricultural Development Initiative Issue Briefs are published by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/UserFiles/File/GlobalAgDevelopment/Issue_Briefs/GADI%20Issue%20Brief%20-%20FtF%20and%20Gender%20Integration%20-%20FINAL.pdf.
Shew, A. M., Nalley, L. L., Danforth, D. M., Dixon, B. L., Nayga, R. M., Delwaide, A. C., et al. (2016). Are all GMOs the same? Consumer acceptance of cisgenic rice in India. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 14(1), 4–7.
Siegrist, M., Cousin, M.-E., Kastenholz, H., & Wiek, A. (2007). Public acceptance of nanotechnology foods and food packaging: The influence of affect and trust. Appetite, 49(2), 459–466.
Siegrist, M., & Cvetkovich, G. (2000). Perception of hazards: The role of social trust and knowledge. Risk Analysis, 20(5), 713–720.
Soregaroli, C., Boccaletti, S., & Moro, D. (2003). Consumer’s attitude towards labeled and unlabeled GM food products in Italy. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 6(2), 111–127.
Tegegne, F., Aziz, A. N., Bhavsar, H., & Wiemers, R. (2013). Awareness of and attitudes towards biotechnology by Tennessee State University students with different backgrounds and majors. Journal of Biotech Research, 5, 16–23.
Traill, W. B., Jaeger, S. R., Yee, W. M. S., Valli, C., House, L. O., Lusk, J. L., et al. (2004). Categories of GM risk-benefit perceptions and their antecedents. AgBioForum, 7(4), 176–186.
Tsourgiannis, L., Karasavvoglou, A., & Florou, G. (2011). Consumers’ attitudes towards GM free products in a European region. The case of the prefecture of Drama–Kavala–Xanthi in Greece. Appetite, 57(2), 448–458.
van Lieshout, E., & Dawson, V. (2016). Knowledge of, and attitudes towards health-related biotechnology applications amongst Australian year 10 high school students. Journal of Biological Education, 50(3), 1–16.
Verdurme, A., & Viaene, F. (2003). Consumer attitudes towards genetically modified food. Qualitative Market Research, 6(2), 11–95.
Verma, C., Nanda, S., Singh, R. K., Singh, R. B., & Mishra, S. (2011). A review on impacts of genetically modified food on human health. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4(1), 3–11.
Wang, N., Houston, J. E., Colson, G., & Liu, Z. (2015). Consumer attitudes toward the use of gene technology in breakfast products: Comparison between college students from the US and China. Journal of Food Research, 4(6), 143.
Wunderlich, S., & Gatto, K. A. (2015). Consumer perception of genetically modified organisms and sources of information. Advances in Nutrition: An International Review Journal, 6(6), 842–851.
Zhang, M., & Liu, G. L. (2015). The effects of consumer’s subjective and objective knowledge on perceptions and attitude towards genetically modified foods: Objective knowledge as a determinant. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50(5), 1198–1205.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Ms. Bethany Gardner from the Department of Linguistics, Binghamton University for her kind help in improving the English of this text.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
M. Ghoochani, O., Ghanian, M., Baradaran, M. et al. Behavioral intentions toward genetically modified crops in Southwest Iran: a multi-stakeholder analysis. Environ Dev Sustain 20, 233–253 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-016-9879-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-016-9879-3