Predicting Public Acceptance of Genetically Modified Crops in Ghana Using the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

Public behaviour is a critical in determining factors influencing technology adoption and use. This study employs the Decomposed theory of planned behaviour to ascertain the factors influencing public behaviour, attitude and perception toward genetically modified crops in Ghana. This paper employs the views of 563 respondents from the media, agricultural extension and farmer groups in various regions of Ghana. The results of the study suggest there are significantly positive correlations between constructs of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and subjective norms leading to possible intention to accept GM technologies in the country. The study revealed that while the public holds a positive view of the technology, some important concerns that could limit the acceptance rate were listed. These include perceived high costs of GM seeds, monopoly of technological rights, health and other environmental risks. In many cases it was found that the understanding of the technology among the respondents was not encouraging. Many perceive the biologically oriented technology to be chemically oriented because the initial development of the product is laboratory oriented. The result, therefore begs for an immediate education and awareness creation on the merits and demerits of the technology in order to allay the fears of the pessimists.