ATTITUDE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: A SURVEY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE STUDENTS IN SUNYANI POLYTECHNIC, GHANA, WEST AFRICA

Abstract

The paper aims at contributing to the body of knowledge in the area of sustainable development by assessing the knowledge level and attitude towards sustainable agriculture. The paper is based on descriptive quantitative cross-sectional survey of Higher National Diploma (HND) students of agriculture in Sunyani Polytechnic. The paper is based on a sample of 117 respondents selected through convenient sample method. Primary data was collected using self designed questionnaire and administered during lectures. Data was analysed using percentages, frequencies, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and were presented using tables. Respondents have high level of knowledge on sustainable agriculture and have positive attitude towards sustainable agriculture. It is recommended that farmers should be educated on the principles of sustainable agriculture. Future studies should focus on causal issues.

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ATTITUDE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: A SURVEY OF
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE STUDENTS IN SUNYANI POLYTECHNIC, GHANA,
WEST AFRICA
Samuel Yeboah Asuamah1; Adu-Tutu Felix2; Boamah Darkwa3; Lawrence Amponsah4
1. Box 206, Marketing Department, Sunyani Polytechnic, Ghana, West Africa
2. Box 206, General and Liberal Studies Department, Sunyani, Polytechnic, Ghana, West Africa
3. Box 206, General and Liberal Studies Department, Sunyani, Polytechnic, Ghana, West Africa
4. Box 206, General Agricultural Science Department, Sunyani Polytechnic, Ghana, West Africa
ABSTRACT
The paper aims at contributing to the body of knowledge in the area of sustainable development
by assessing the knowledge level and attitude towards sustainable agriculture. The paper is based
on descriptive quantitative cross-sectional survey of Higher National Diploma (HND) students of
agriculture in Sunyani Polytechnic. The paper is based on a sample of 117 respondents selected
through convenient sample method. Primary data was collected using self designed questionnaire
and administered during lectures. Data was analysed using percentages, frequencies, and One-
Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and were presented using tables. Respondents have high
level of knowledge on sustainable agriculture and have positive attitude towards sustainable
agriculture. It is recommended that farmers should be educated on the principles of sustainable
agriculture. Future studies should focus on causal issues.
Key Words: Sustainable agriculture, Food security; Attitude; Knowledge level; environmental
quality
Jel Classification: Q01; Q13; Q15; Q18
1. INTRODUCTION
Sustainable agriculture is believed by researchers to be the best way to ensure food development
and the survival of mankind. Yet the definition of sustainable agriculture in the literature has not
achieved consensus among various researchers (Veisi et al., 2008; Lee 2005 Alexandra & May
2004; Betts et al., 2004; Rigby & Caceres 2001; Williams, 2000; Tait 2000; MacRae et al.
1990). For example the definition given by American Society of Agronomy is different from that
given by Farm Bill (1990).
According to the American Society of Agronomy (ASA, 1989) agriculture is considered as
sustainable when over the long term it (i) enhances environmental quality and the resource base
on which agriculture depends, (ii) provides for basic human food and fiber needs, (iii) is
economically viable, and (iv) enhances the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole
(Betts et al., 2004 in Veisi et al., 2008).
According to the 1990 Farm Bill, sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and
animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long-term,

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satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance the environmental quality and natural resources
base upon which the agriculture economy depends; make the most efficient use of non-
renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate natural biological
cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of
life for farmers and society as a whole ((Williams, 2000 in Veisi et al., 2008).
Sustaianable agriculture is considered by some researchers to mean environmental, economic
and social sustainability, and is used to describe a wide variety of practices (Rigby & Caceres
2001, Lee 2005 in Wheeler, 2008). According to Wheeler (2008) “sustainability in agriculture is
often presented as two philosophies which are the modern enlightenment philosophy (of which
conventional farming and the advent of biotechnology crops are a part) and the post-modern
philosophy (of which alternative forms of farming are a part)”.
According to Al-Subaiee et al. (2005) the purpose of sustainable agriculture is to ensure healthy
and sufficient supply of food for the current and future generations by optimum use of the
available natural resources. This means any agriculture methods and principles that do not ensure
sufficient food supply for the current and future generation is not sustainable.
The findings of empirical studies on attitude towards sustainable agriculture are found in the
works of researchers such as Veisi et al. (2008); Wheeler (2008); Karami and Mansoorabadi
(2007); Betts et al., (2004); Williams and Wise (2001); Dyer (2000); Williams (2000).
In some studies respondents do not have enough knowledge on sustainable agriculture. Some
have positive attitude towards sustainable agriculture; some have negative attitude towards
sustainable agriculture; some respondents also belief sustainable agriculture is not adopted in
their economies.
In the study by Agahi et al. (2012) the results on the knowledge level of sustainable agriculture
as a whole, indicated they were beyond the well informed category for each of the items
regarding sustainable agricultural areas identified.
The students are relatively highly-informed on the items of conservation tillage practices that
reduce soil erosion and conserve water, paying attention to natural process instead of farm
inputs, and provider of government services such as extension services and support of market
prices.
The respondents have adequate knowledge or are well-informed in topic such as: crop rotations
that increase nitrogen in the soil and reduce the need for purchased fertilizers, sustainable
agriculture decreases soil erosion because of less use of tillage, community-based food systems,
and developing multicultural system instead of monoculture.
The analysis shows a moderate level of knowledge among the students about integrated
agricultural systems and enhancement of conservational production technologies by direct
payments. They have low level of knowledge in relation to reduction of input prices and
provision of tax exemption for farmers adopting sustainable agriculture.

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The researchers also examined respondent‟s attitude towards sustainable agriculture and
established that senior students‟ attitudes are positive towards sustainable agriculture in general
and especially towards environmental aspect. This indicates that they value the concepts of
sustainable agriculture.
Their analysis on correlation revealed that there was significant positive relationship between
agricultural graduate students‟ attitude and their knowledge towards sustainable agriculture. The
value for the Pearson correlation coefficient (r=0.73) was significant (p<0.01).
Wheeler (2008) indicated that half of all respondents in a study conducted believed that
conventional farming in Australia was generally not environmentally sustainable.
Correspondingly, a significant proportion of all agricultural professionals believed that, in
general, conventional farming is environmentally sustainable in Australia.
Wheeler (2008) reported that women were slightly more likely than men to agree that Australian
agriculture was not environmentally sustainable. Also professionals who worked in broadacre
and/or grazing were much more likely to agree that conventional agriculture was
environmentally sustainable.
Wheeler (2008) indicated that “this result most likely reflects the fact that most professionals in
this area have traditionally been focused on yield increases as their main goal in research and
extension and hence do not care as much about other consequences of agricultural production.
The belief that organic farming was environmentally superior to conventional agriculture is the
most significant factor that affect attitude towards the conventional sustainability of agriculture.
Veisi et al. (2008) reported in their study that respondents rated themselves as having
appropriated attitudes of sustainable agriculture, rating 10 out of the 16 perception statements as
“agree”. They stated that the ratings for their beliefs about sustainable agriculture were especially
high for environmental, food security and social dimensions, but less so for the economic aspect.
The students have very good knowledge of sustainable agriculture indicating that they have
learnt what they have been taught in school.
Liaghati et al. (2008) established that significant majority (74.70%) of the respondents in their
study have favourable attitude towards sustainable agriculture, while 22.28% have moderate
positive attitude with 3% having negative attitude towards sustainable agriculture. The areas
where respondent have higher ratings were enviornmental and social sustainability and low on
food security and economic dimensions.
In a study by Betts et al. (2004), they reported an excellent level of knowledge of sustainable
agriculture among extension educators, which means that the respondents understand what
sustainable agriculture means and can impart the knowledge to the farmers they educate.
Williams (2000) and Williams and Wise, (1997) reported that students have adequate
understanding of sustainable agriculture and indicated that students in their study believe that
sustainable agriculture has the potential to have a positive impact on agriculture.

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The paper is based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) developed by Azjen and Fishbein
(1975; 1980) to study the link between individual attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. They
developed structured attitude model which has been used in many empirical studies. They
explained that affects and belief must be assessed as directed towards behaviour and not directed
towards object.
In the paper attitude is measured and directed towards behaviour and as such the TRA theoretical
frame work is appropriate for the study. The TRA model explains volitional behaviour and
indicates that a behaviour is a function of intention and that intention is also a function of
attitudes and beliefs and that intention to perform a behaviour depends on a person‟s own
attitude towards the behaviour and the perceived social pressure to behave in a certain way
approved by the society (called the subjective norm) (Shephard & Raats, 1996).
The TRA explains that attitude is a function of individual‟s behavioural belief and outcome
evaluations. According to Shephard & Raats (1994) variables such as gender, age, education, and
social class affect the behaviour of individuals through the TRA model variables. Ajzen (2005)
argued that attitudes are the most important determinants of a behavior.
Statement of problem/Justification/Significance
Many economies including Ghana have focused on external inputs (pesticides, inorganic
fertilizers, and tractors) to increase food supply to ensure food security. Natural processes have
been replaced by these external inputs to the detriment of the environment and human life.
Farmers now called for policy support in areas of subsidies for the various external inputs.
This has generated interest among researchers in the area of sustainable agriculture to fully
replace these external inputs. Agricultural students are expected to go out there to impart
knowledge of sustainable agriculture to the farmers for them to adopt these measures. In view of
these the researchers examine the knowledge and attitude towards sustainable agriculture of
students graduating in Agriculture to determine if they could successfully impact the knowledge.
In the knowledge of the researchers no such study exists in the study area and as such the paper
fills in the literature gap. The findings of the paper provide further understanding to the theories
underlying the research by providing answers to the various research questions raised in the
paper. The findings also provide policy guide to educational planners in the area of sustainable
agriculture as it provide information on the knowledge level and the attitude of the students
towards sustainable agriculture. Future researchers doing research in the area of sustainable
agriculture will also find the findings useful as reference material.
General objective/Specific objectives
The aim of the paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge that exists in the area of
sustainable development by examining students‟ knowledge and attitude towards sustainable
agriculture. In specific terms the paper:
 Identifies the effect of demographic variables on attitude towards sustainable agriculture,
 Determine the level of knowledge of sustainable agriculture among the students,

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 Assess the attitude of the students toward sustainable agriculture.
Research Questions/Hypotheses
The paper is descriptive study and as such provides answers to these research questions.
 What is the knowledge level of respondents on sustainable agriculture and what is the
source of the knowledge?
 What is the attitude of respondents towards sustainable agriculture?
 What are the factors influencing attitude formation in relation to sustainable agriculture?
The paper is based on these assumptions.
 Respondents have positive attitude towards sustainable agriculture.
 Respondents are well informed of sustainable agriculture.
 Demographic variables influence attitude towards sustainable agriculture.
Limitations/Delimitations
The study is based on cross-sectional descriptive survey. Hence causality issues are not
discussed. Sample is also based on convenience sample method, and so the findings may suffer
external validity. On the issue of scope, causality issues are not examined. Also attitude toward
organic farming and biotechnology as well as educational needs of agricultural students towards
sustainability are not assessed.
2. METHODOLOGY
The research is based on descriptive quantitative cross sectional survey research design using
sample of 117 students of the agricultural science department selected through convenient
sample method. Primary data on attitude and knowledge was collected using self-designed
questionnaire, administered during lectures. Primary data obtained was analysed using
frequencies, percentages, ANOVA and presented in tables. The SPSS version of 16.0 was used.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1: Demographic features of respondents
In the survey 112(95.7%) were males and 5(4.3%) were females. Majority 57(48.7%) belong to
the age group of 23-27years, followed by 47(40.2%) in the age group of 18-22years, then
10(8.5%) in the age group of 28-32years with 2(1.7%) between 38-42years and 1(0.9%) less than
18years.
Majority 95(81.2%) of them were Christians, followed by Muslims 17(14.5%) then those who
are not in any religious group 4(3.4%) with 1(0.9%) missing response. On class levels majority
49(41.9%) are in second year; 45(38.5%) are in first year and 23(19.7%) in third year.
On family social class most 75(64.1%) belong to middle class followed by those in upper class
21(17.9%) and lower class 21(17.9%). The fathers of most 67(57.3%) respondents have no post
secondary education followed by those with tertiary education 25(21.4%) and those having post
secondary education 24(20.5%) with 1(0.9%) missing response. On mothers education, mothers
of majority 84(71.8%) have no post secondary education followed by those who have post

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secondary education 23(19.7%) with 9(7.7%) having tertiary education and 1(0.9%) missing
response.
Personality types of respondents were examined. Majority 54(46.2%) of the respondents are
individualistic followed by collectivistic group 52(44.4%) and those who played neutral
11(9.4%). Respondents belong to various regions in the country. Most 27(23.1%) of the
respondents are from Brong Ahafo followed by Ashanti 23(19.7%). The rest of the distribution
are Western region 11(9.4%) and Upper East 7(6%) and Eastern 9(7.7%). The other groups are
Northern region 10(8.5%), Upper West 13(11.1%), Volta 9(7.7%) and Central 7(6%) with one
missing response.
3.2: level of knowledge on sustainable agriculture
The knowledge level of respondents on sustainable agriculture was examined. Significant
majority 101(86.3%) have heard of sustainable agriculture and another majority 100(85.5%) also
understand the meaning of sustainable agriculture. Most respondents 65(55.6%) have had no
lectures on sustainable agriculture. The results based on Yes and No questions are shown in table
1. The attitude of respondents on sustainable agriculture was examined by asking further
questions using Likert scale. The results are shown in Table 2.
Table 1: distribution of responses on whether respondents have heard and also understand
sustainable agriculture
Statements
Yes
No
I don’t
know
Missing
responses
Total
If respondents have heard of
sustainable agriculture
101(86.3%)
13(11.1%)
2(1.7%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
If respondents understand the
meaning of sustainable agriculture
100(85.5%)
15(12.8%)
1(0.9%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
If respondents have had lectures on
sustainable agric
49(41.9%)
65(55.6%)
2(1.7%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
(Source: field survey, November 2012)
Significant majority 89(76%) consider environmental balance as one basis for sustainable
agricultural practices. Majority 71(87.7%) agree that sustainable agriculture has the advantage of
reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Majority 91(77.8%) agree that farmers adopting
sustainable agriculture practices live more in harmony with nature.
Most 47(40.2%) respondents do not consider economic gains of sustainable agricultural practices
as not convincing while 51(43.6%) disagree that net farm income decreases due to sustainable
agriculture and that significant majority 98(83%) agree that sustainable agriculture improve
income on a farm.
Most 60(51.3%) of the respondents agree that sustainable agriculture will do well on any farm
land, while significant majority 89(76.1%) agree that sustainable agriculture practices may
require additional management beyond conventional practices. Very significant majority

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102(87.2%) are of the view that adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is slow since
farmers lack the knowledge to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
Most respondents 57(48.8%) are of the view that recommended pest control methods for
sustainable agricultural systems have potential for more pests in the long term, while significant
number of respondents 104(88.9%) think sustainable agricultural practices help protect the
environment and our natural resources. Most 54(46.1%) are of the view that there may be
insufficient labour for the workload required in sustainable agricultural system.
Majority 85(72.7%) agree that sustainable agriculture should produce an adequate food supply to
feed the world population with significant number 95(81.2%) thinking that the adoption of
sustainable agriculture will be easier for farmers who have both cropped and livestock
enterprises while most 74(63.2%) think there is the need to make the most efficient use of
nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural
biological cycles and controls. Most of the respondents agree that recommended practices in
sustainable agriculture have been embraced by mainstream agriculture.
The responses given by respondents on the whole indicated that respondents have positive
attitude towards sustainable agriculture though some of the response on sustainable agriculture
indicated negative attitude towards sustainable agriculture.
Table 2: Responses on attitude towards sustainable agriculture
STATEMENTS
Strongly
Agree
Freq.%
Agree
Freq.%
Neutral
Freq.%
Disagree
Freq.%
Strongly
Disagree
Freq.%
Missing
response
Freq.%
Total
Freq.%
Environmental balance is
one basis for sustainable
agricultural practices
37(31.6%)
52(44.4%)
22(18.8%)
3(2.6%)
2(1.7%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
An advantage of sustainable
agricultural practices is
reduction in the use of
chemical fertilizers
43(36.8%)
28(23.9%)
16(13.7%)
21(17.9%)
8(6.8%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Farmers in sustainable
agriculture lives more in
harmony with nature
49(41.9%)
42(35.9%)
12(10.3%)
11(9.4%)
3(2.6%)
n.a
117(100%)
Economic gains when
employing sustainable
agricultural practices are not
convincing
19(16.2%)
25(21.4%)
25(21.4%)
27(23.1%)
20(17.1%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Net farm income may
decrease when a producer
implements sustainable
agricultural practices
19(16.2%)
24(20.5%)
22(18.8%)
28(23.9%)
23(19.7%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Sustainable agricultural
systems can improve income
on a farm
59(50.4%)
39(33.3%)
9(7.7%)
5(4.3%)
5(4.3%)
n.a
117(100%)

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Sustainable agricultural
practices would work well
on any farm
26(22.2%)
34(29.1%)
21(17.9%)
23(19.7%)
9(7.7%)
4(3.4%)
117(100%)
Sustainable agricultural
practices may require
additional management
beyond conventional
practices
35(29.9%)
54(46.2%)
14(12%)
9(7.7%)
4(3.4%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
The adoption of sustainable
agricultural practices is slow
because farmers lack the
knowledge to implement
them
73(62.4%)
29(24.8%)
6(5.1%)
6(5.1%)
2(1.7%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Recommended pest control
methods for sustainable
agricultural systems have
potential for more pests in
the long term
25(21.4%)
32(27.4%)
27(23.1%)
25(21.4%)
7(6%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Sustainable agricultural
practices help protect the
environment and our natural
resources
71(60.7%)
33(28.2%)
9(7.7%)
1(0.9%)
1(0.9%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
There may be insufficient
labour for the workload
required in sustainable
agricultural system
21(17.9%)
33(28.2%)
25(21.4%)
25(21.4%)
12(10.3%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Sustainable agricultural
systems should produce an
adequate food supply to feel
the world population.
54(46.2%)
31(26.5%)
12(10.3%)
11(9.4%)
7(6.0%)
2(1.7%)
117(100%)
Adoption of Sustainable
agricultural practices will be
easier for farmers who have
both cropped and livestock
enterprises
46(39.3%)
49(41.9%)
12(10.3%)
6(5.1%)
3(2.6%)
1(0.9%)
117(100%)
Make the most efficient use
of nonrenewable resources
and on-farm resources and
integrate, where appropriate,
natural biological cycles and
controls
33(28.2%)
41(35%)
36(30.8%)
5(4.3%)
2(1.7%)
n.a
117(100%)
Recommended practices in
sustainable agriculture have
been embraced by
mainstream agriculture
33(28.2%)
32(27.4%)
37(31.6%)
11(9.4%)
4(3.4%)
n.a
117(100%)
(Source: Field survey, October, 2012)
One-Way ANOVA

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Analysis of variance was performed to determine if there is statistical difference in the responses
provided by respondents. Gender, age, religion, region, year in school, personality type, father
educational level, mother educational level, and family status have significant effect on some of
the responses given by respondents.
For instance there is a significant difference between age and the means of the response given by
respondents on statements such as: „environmental balance is one basis for sustainable
agricultural practices‟ (F=3.482; p=0.010). Gender significantly affected response on „whether
respondents have had lectures on sustainable agriculture‟ (F=3.144; p=0.079).
There is a statistical significant difference between mother‟s educational level and the means of
the response given by respondents on statement such as „adoption of sustainable agricultural
practices is slow since farmers lack the required knowledge‟ (F=2.168 p=0.096) while as father‟s
educational level significantly affects statement such as „recommended pest control methods for
sustainable agricultural systems have potential for more pests in the long term‟ (F=2.168;
p=0.096) and a „whether respondents have had lectures on sustainable agriculture‟ (F=3.639;
p=0.029).
There is also a statistical significant difference between family status and the means of the
response given by respondents on statement such as such as „adoption of sustainable agricultural
practices is slow since farmers lack the required knowledge‟ (F=2.391; p=0.073).
There is a statistical significant difference between region and the means of the response given
by respondents on „whether respondents have heard of sustainable agriculture‟ (F=2.453;
p=0.014) and statement such as „recommended practices in sustainable agriculture have been
embraced by mainstream agriculture‟ (F=1.740; p=0.089).
Religion also statistically affected the responses on two statements which are „environmental
balance is one basis for sustainable agricultural practices‟ (F=2.991; p=0.054) and „adoption of
sustainable agriculture will be easier for farmers who have both cropped and livestock
enterprises‟ (F=3.091; p=0.049).
Personality type significantly affect response on „whether respondents have heard of sustainable
agriculture‟ (F=3.064; p=0.051); „whether sustainable agricultural practices help protect the
environment and our natural resources‟ (F=3.354; p=0.038) and statement such as „make the
most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where
appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls‟ (F=2.605; p=0.078).
The year in school statistically influence twelve responses given by the respondents. The results
are shown in Table 3. Some of the respondents were in first year, second year and third year.
Table 3. ANOVA results on effect of Year in School on responses on questions
STATEMENTS
F -VALUES
P-VALUES
Whether respondents have heard of sustainable agriculture
2.892
0.060
Whether respondents have had lectures on sustainable agric
13.167
0.000
Environmental balance is one basis for sustainable agricultural
practices
3.111
0.048

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Sustainable agriculture improve income on a farm
2.684
0.073
Sustainable agriculture will do well on any farm
2.401
0.095
Sustainable agricultural practices may require additional
management beyond conventional practices
5.921
0.004
Recommended pest control methods for sustainable agricultural
systems have potential for more pests in the long term
2.364
0.099
Sustainable agricultural practices help protect the environment
and our natural resources
2.987
0.054
There may be insufficient labour for the workload required in
sustainable agricultural system
3.022
0.053
adoption of sustainable agriculture will be easier for farmers who
have both cropped and livestock enterprises
2.550
0.083
recommended practices in sustainable agric have been embraced
by mainstream agriculture
4.879
0.009
4. CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The article examines respondents‟ knowledge level and attitude towards sustainable agriculture.
From the analysis respondents have excellent knowledge on sustainable agriculture and have
positive attitude towards sustainable agriculture. Respondents believe that sustainable agriculture
can protect agriculture and the environment. More education and training must be given to
farmers so that they can adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Future studies should include
more schools in a comparative analysis to determine if the findings will be corroborated.
Causality issues must also be assessed using structural modeling. Future studies should increase
the sample size to ensure more external validity.
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