Factors Affecting Avocado Growers' Attitudes toward Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): A Study from Hopong Township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting avocado growers’ attitudes towards Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Hopong Township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Hopong Township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar, from July 2025 to August 2025. Methodology: A combination of purposive and random sampling methods was used to select the study area and sample respondents. Primary data were collected from 116 avocado growers through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Growers’ attitudes towards GAPs were measured using a five-point Likert scale and categorised as negative, neutral, and positive. An Ordered Probit Model was employed to determine the factors influencing growers’ attitudes towards GAPs. Marginal effect analysis was also conducted to examine the changes in probability associated with significant explanatory variables. Results: The Ordered Probit Model revealed that age and farming experience significantly and negatively influenced growers’ attitudes towards GAPs. In contrast, educational status, contact with extension agents, and membership in avocado associations had significant positive effects on attitudes. Access to credit was also found to be statistically significant; however, the result should be interpreted cautiously because only a small proportion of respondents had access to credit. Marginal effect analysis further indicated that education, extension contact, and association membership increased the probability of positive attitudes, whereas age and farming experience increased the likelihood of negative attitudes towards GAPs. Conclusion: This study suggests that improving farmers’ education, strengthening agricultural extension services, expanding growers’ participation in avocado associations, and enhancing access to agricultural information may promote more positive attitudes towards GAPs. These efforts may contribute to sustainable avocado production and greater adoption of GAPs among avocado growers in Myanmar.