Attitudes, Perceptions, and On-Farm Self-Reported Practices of Shrimp Farmers’ towards Adoption of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes relating to Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in compliance held by a subgroup of Thai GAP certified shrimp farmers based on a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Different levels of farmers’ experiences with the method of farming resulted in significant differences in perspective and attitude in some domains studied, especially environmental sustainability and constraints to GAP production. Moreover, all farmers were willing to adopt GAP in order to create a safer certified farm, including reducing chemical use and reporting outbreaks of disease. Their main concerns surrounded the expenses required to change practices and farm safety certification to the shrimp farmers improvement, market volatility, and price fluctuations. It was evident that the important issues remain regarding GAP cost. The outcomes of this study will help farmers to understand the requirements towards safer and sustainable production and support policy developers in development of policies, strategies, and programs to encourage participation in GAP certification.