Ex-Ante analysis of the consumers' acceptance for genetically modified (BT) eggplant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, 2011

Date

2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

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Abstract

The general objective of the study was to determine the consumer‟ acceptance for

Bt eggplant in Sta, Rosa, Laguna. Specifically it aimed to (1) establish the socio- demographic profile of the respondents, (2) identify the product attributes that consumers

look for eggplant, (3) identify and assess the factors affecting consumers‟ acceptance for Bt eggplant, (4) determine willingness-to-pay and estimated volume of purchase for Bt eggplant; and (5) provide policy recommendations concerning Bt eggplant. To achieve the objectives, the study employed descriptive analysis, Spearman‟s rank correlation analysis and logit analysis using primary data collected from 75 eggplant consumer respondents through personal interviews. The consumer respondents were classified according to their income classes: Upper, Middle and Lower using quota sampling method. Based on the attribute importance rating the study found out that consumers in Sta. Rosa regard the appearance of eggplant as the most important attribute when purchasing. The lesser insect bites and blemishes, the more it will be accepted and desirable to purchase. While the least important attribute for consumers in Sta. Rosa was the size of eggplant. On the other hand, the most important attribute for upper income class was the appearance of the eggplant while texture for the middle income class, implying that these consumers value the quality of eggplant when purchasing. Conversely the price of eggplant was found to be the most important attribute for lower income class. Indicating that these consumers would first look into the price of eggplant rather than its quality first based on its different product attributes. It was also found out that taste, texture, price and appearance of eggplant were found to be significantly related to the consumption of eggplant. Indicating that taste, appearance and texture could be better enhanced to further increase the consumption of eggplant. While increasing the price of eggplant would result into a decrease of its consumption. Assessment of the factors that influence consumers‟ acceptance for Bt eggplant using Logit analysis revealed that among all the hypothesized factors, only education, religion and income class had been statistically significant. The higher the years spent in school, the lesser the probability that they will accept Bt eggplant. Furthermore Roman Catholics have a lesser probability of accepting Bt eggplant. It was observed that some Roman Catholics were against the use of genetically modified organisms in eggplant production since it alters or change the natural state that their God has made for eggplant. Those consumers who are coming from the middle income class will have a higher probability of accepting Bt eggplant. This is because middle income class consumers mostly perceived Bt eggplant to be safe to consume compared to other income classes. Lastly, willingness-to-pay and estimated weekly volume of purchase of Bt eggplant was also determined. On the whole, the respondents wanted to pay an average of 10 percent discount per kilogram of Bt eggplant. While their average estimated weekly volume of purchase of Bt eggplant was 766 grams.

The results of the study suggest that developers of Bt eggplant can focus on these attributes; taste, texture, improving its appearance and ensuring that its price would be lower or as much as possible affordable relative to the traditional eggplant found in the market. Meanwhile potential consumers of Bt eggplant would most unlikely be Roman Catholics and those who attained a higher level of education. Implying that Bt eggplant developers should create a stronger regulatory board or agency ensuring the safety of Bt eggplant to humans and the environment. However based on the study, it is recommended that middle income class consumers can be a target market for Bt eggplant.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Document Type

Thesis

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