Measuring sustainable development, its antecedents, barriers and consequences in agriculture: An exploratory factor analysis

Abstract

This research aims to identify the factors measuring sustainable development in agriculture, its antecedents, barriers and consequences. To do so, first a literature review and qualitative research (involving 23 interviews) led to developing a questionnaire, which was then validated. Next, quantitative research involved collecting data from 220 family farmers in Brazil, and exploratory factor analysis was performed. This made it possible to understand how Brazilian family farmers perceived sustainable development in agriculture. This can be measured by 25 variables and 3 factors: natural agriculture; innovation and technology; and environmental aspects. The antecedents (predictors) of sustainable development in agriculture were grouped in 5 factors: external influencers; engagement with sustainability; concern about future generations; environmental motivators; and individual characteristics. Two factors (lack of information and knowledge; and lack of planning and support), defined the barriers to sustainable development in agriculture. Socio-environmental benefits and subjective well-being were the two factors measuring the consequences of that development. This article contributes to identifying the factors underlying sustainable development in agriculture, the antecedents, barriers and consequences of that sustainability, something as yet not identified in the literature on this subject, which indicates the innovation and originality of the study.