Predictors of crop diversification: a survey of tobacco farmers in North Carolina (USA).
OBJECTIVE
To assess the attitudes and behaviours of North Carolina tobacco farmers around crop diversification.


METHODS
Cross-sectional telephone survey.


METHODS
Active tobacco farmers in 14 North Carolina counties (n = 1236), interviewed between January and April 1997 (91% response rate).


METHODS
Interest in, experience with, and perceived barriers to diversification.


RESULTS
Most farmers (95%) grew/raised a commodity other than tobacco (mean = 2.8). A total of 60% of farmers expressed interest in trying other on-farm activities to supplement their tobacco and 60% reported taking action in the past year around supplementation. Younger age and college education were positively associated with interest. College education, off-farm income, and larger farm size were associated with the number of actions taken. For perceived external barriers to diversification, use of tobacco, percent income from tobacco, lack of college education, and younger age were most strongly associated with the number of barriers. For internal barriers (personal factors), percent income from tobacco, use of tobacco, and lack of college education were most strongly associated with the number of barriers.


CONCLUSIONS
Most farmers were involved in diverse operations and expressed interest in continuing to diversify, although the breadth of diversification was narrow. Farmers noted many barriers to diversifying. If conventional production and marketing techniques are employed for non-tobacco alternatives, these alternatives may not provide the sustainable profitability that tobacco has afforded. Competition from foreign tobacco growers is the primary threat to the future of American growers and tobacco dependent communities.
Altman
D G
DG
Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1063, USA. daltman@rc.phs.wfubmc.edu
Zaccaro
D J
DJ
Levine
D W
DW
Austin
D
D
Woodell
C
C
Bailey
B
B
Sligh
M
M
Cohn
G
G
Dunn
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001290:Attitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D014026:Nicotiana