FROM INTENTION TO PRACTICE: FACTORS SHAPING ORGANIC BEEF PRODUCTION BEHAVIOR AMONG FARMERS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Organic beef production is considered one of the key directions for the sustainable development of livestock farming, contributing to environmental protection, food safety, and increased market value of agricultural products. Kazakhstan possesses favorable natural conditions for the expansion of organic livestock systems due to its extensive pasture resources and traditional cattle breeding practices. However, the adoption of organic production methods remains limited and varies considerably among farmers. This study aimed to identify the behavioral, socioeconomic, and institutional factors influencing the adoption of organic beef production practices and certification among farmers in Kazakhstan. The research was conducted using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A total of 410 beef cattle farmers from eight districts of West Kazakhstan were surveyed. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Probit, and Ordered Probit models were applied to evaluate the effects of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and socioeconomic characteristics on organic production behavior. The results showed that standardized farm construction exhibited the highest adoption level (0.80 ± 0.05), followed by standardized input use (0.69 ± 0.04), whereas organic certification demonstrated the lowest adoption level (0.54 ± 0.06). High-income farmers were significantly more likely to adopt organic practices than low-income farmers (p < 0.05). Perceived behavioral control emerged as the strongest determinant of organic production behavior, indicating that farmers’ confidence in their ability to meet organic standards plays a critical role in implementation. Education level, farming experience, herd size, and family labor positively influenced adoption, whereas the age of farm managers negatively affected the transition to organic production. A substantial gap was observed between farmers’ willingness to adopt organic practices and their actual implementation. The findings suggest that financial constraints, certification costs, and limited technical support remain major barriers to the development of organic livestock. Strengthening training programs, extension services, and certification support mechanisms could significantly enhance organic beef production, improve food safety, and increase the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s livestock sector.