Farmers’ Perceptions and Willingness of Compost Production and Use to Contribute to Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Composting is an ecological method of recycling organic waste. It presents an effective solution to reduce the large volume of agricultural waste and provides an organic fertilizer and soil amendment. However, its implementation remains limited, especially in Morocco. The vast majority of farmers are unaware of the effectiveness of compost, and it is often considered as an inefficient product compared with chemical fertilizers. In order to develop a local marketing strategy for compost, this study aims to identify the perceptions and willingness of farmers to produce and use compost in agriculture, and to assess the factors shaping these perceptions and willingness, including socio-economic, agricultural and individual factors. The case of Morocco is investigated, where the vast majority of farmers practice inappropriate disposal of agricultural waste and excessive use of agro-chemicals. Data are collected using a standard questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with 350 farmers during their visit to the international agricultural exhibition in Morocco. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used for data analysis. The results showed a high level (80%) of acceptance by farmers of the production and use of compost. Farmers are also very willing to produce and use compost in agriculture. All the socio-economic, individual and agricultural factors, except gender, length of experience and cultivated area, had a highly significant influence on farmers’ perception and willingness to produce compost (p < 0.005). The positive perceptions of farmers and the high level of willingness to produce compost imply that the composting of organic waste should be encouraged by our local authorities. The production of compost will thus contribute to environmental sustainability and to the promotion of the ecological management of agricultural waste meeting the requirements of a circular economy.

Farmer Perspectives on the Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) in Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, Nepal

“…Furthermore, since ECA practices can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they enable farmers to continue their agricultural activities in the years to come. The third pillar encompasses the environmental aspect of ECA sustainability, which serves as one of the main motivations for farmers to adopt ECA practices [35]. When balanced alongside the social and economic pillars, it leads to improved food security and resilient agricultural systems that enable farmers to adapt to changing climate conditions.…”

Litter Composting to Meet Fertilizer Needs for Plantation Crops in Asah Duren Village, Jembrana-Bali

“…Composting is an ecological method of recycling organic waste. It presents an effective solution to reduce large volumes of agricultural waste and provide organic fertilizers and soil improvers (Majbar et al, 2021). Composting is the most adaptable and beneficial method for managing biodegradable solid waste; it is an important agricultural practice that contributes to the recycling of agricultural and agricultural waste (Waqas et al, 2023).…”

“…Composting is the most adaptable and beneficial method for managing biodegradable solid waste; it is an important agricultural practice that contributes to the recycling of agricultural and agricultural waste (Waqas et al, 2023). Compost production will contribute to environmental sustainability and the promotion of ecological management of agricultural waste that meets circular economy requirements (Majbar et al, 2021). Composting has advantages over other practices, such as landfilling agricultural waste, which increases the potential for groundwater pollution by leachate while composting reduces water pollution (Waqas et al, 2023).…”

Valorisation of Biowaste and Aquatic Invasive Plants Through Compost Production for Agricultural Use

“…The preparation of compost using waste serve an important purpose of environmental protection from pollution, supports agrarian livelihood and can also serve as a source of income for producers [17]. The extent to which these bene ts are realised depends on the feedstock and the e ciency of composting.…”