Adoption of sustainable farming practices in Vietnam: A discourse of the determining factors

Abstract

To delve into the intricacies of sustainable agricultural practices, our study investigates both the behavioral and non-behavioral factors influencing farmers' decision-making processes. Employing the New Ecological Model (NEP) to capture social factors, our research framework integrates insights from the sustainable livelihood framework, which delineates five crucial types of livelihood capital: (1) human capital, (2) natural capital, (3) financial capital, (4) physical capital, and (5) social capital. This comprehensive approach enables us to incorporate additional non-behavioral factors and their impacts on farmers' decisions. We underscore the pivotal role of farmers' decisions in fostering sustainable agriculture, aligning with seven of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Leveraging survey data collected from 303 Vietnamese farmers, we validate our research framework using two analytical models: Structural Equation Model (SEM) and binary logit analysis. Our findings underscore the significant influence of farmers' risk propensity and concerns regarding food safety and environmental conservation on the adoption of organic farming practices. Notably, farmers' level of knowledge emerges as a critical determinant shaping their inclination towards sustainable agriculture. The study underscores the importance of targeted educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, identifying key determinants such as proximity to green spaces and farm size in shaping farmers' choices towards sustainable practices.