Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Behavioral intentions toward genetically modified crops in Southwest Iran: a multi-stakeholder analysis

  • Published:
Environment, Development and Sustainability Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. 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).

  2. Hereafter, we call this group as “farmers”.

  3. 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buah, J. (2011). Public perception of genetically modified food in Ghana JN Buah. American Journal of Food Technology, 6(7), 541–554.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Janvry, A., & Sadoulet, E. (2009). Agricultural growth and poverty reduction: Additional evidence. The World Bank Research Observer, 25, 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dona, A., & Arvanitoyannis, I. S. (2009). Health risks of genetically modified foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 49(2), 164–175.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, N. (2013). A hard look at GM crops. Nature, 497(7447), 24–26.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis: A global perspective. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, C. (2008). Identifying farmer attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) crops in Scotland: Are they pro-or anti-GM? Geoforum, 39(1), 204–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30, 607–610.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lucht, J. M. (2015). Public acceptance of plant biotechnology and GM crops. Viruses, 7(8), 4254–4281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, E. (1983). Diffusion of innovations (3rd ed.). London: The free press, A Division of Macmillan publishing co. Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siegrist, M., & Cvetkovich, G. (2000). Perception of hazards: The role of social trust and knowledge. Risk Analysis, 20(5), 713–720.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdurme, A., & Viaene, F. (2003). Consumer attitudes towards genetically modified food. Qualitative Market Research, 6(2), 11–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

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

  1. Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran

    Omid M. Ghoochani, Mansour Ghanian & Masoud Baradaran

  2. Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

    Erfan Alimirzaei

  3. Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium

    Hossein Azadi

  4. Economics and Rural Development, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (ULg), Gembloux, Belgium

    Hossein Azadi

  5. Department of Geography, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Hossein Azadi

Authors
  1. Omid M. Ghoochani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mansour Ghanian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Masoud Baradaran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Erfan Alimirzaei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hossein Azadi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Omid M. Ghoochani or Mansour Ghanian.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

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

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-016-9879-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation