How to Identify Barriers to the Adoption of Sustainable Agriculture? A Study Based on a Multi-Criteria Model

Abstract

The world’s population grows yearly, so increasing food production is necessary, to meet consumer demands. This production must be clean; thus, sustainable agriculture seems to represent a solution. However, social, economic, and environmental barriers impede the adoption of this practice. Therefore, this research identified these barriers, according to the sustainability triple-bottom line through a literature review, and analyzed which barriers are more influential and vulnerable to influences, using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method, as well as by considering the opinions of 30 mixed crop producers. As a result, eleven barriers were identified; and “technical knowledge and qualified workforce” was the most influential on not adopting sustainable agriculture. A multi-criteria model was provided and could be replicated in further research. Thus, sustainable practices are provided, to minimize the barriers’ negative impacts and assist producers; highlighting investment and policies for training farmers to have the technical knowledge to practice sustainable agriculture. Theoretical implications were reviewed, such as an analysis of the barriers found in the literature and the lack of studies reporting on the difficulty of producers in adopting sustainable agriculture, as well as the practical implications of providing assistance and transferring knowledge, to eliminate these barriers, so that sustainable practices can be efficiently implemented.

Analyzing and Prioritizing the Barriers and Solutions of Sustainable Agriculture for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals in China

“…Besides, providing equal opportunities for men and women in agriculture can lead to better economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The findings of this research are also supported by the findings in [31], in which the authors concluded that "technical knowledge and a qualified workforce" were the most influential factors in adopting sustainable agriculture. According to Rodriguez et al [14], in addition to lack of funding, social barriers, land tenure, infrastructure and incompatibility are also important barriers to the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices.…”

“…EN1 is another significant sub-barrier that needs to be addressed through the adoption of sustainable soil management practices, such as conservation tillage and cover cropping. This finding is supported by [31] that environmental dimension variables such as climate change/soil control/production management affect the sustainability of agriculture.…”

“…Furthermore, some communities might not recognize the advantages of sustainable agricultural practices in terms of the environment or society. [31,54,55] Labor shortages (SO3)…”

Antecedents of Behavioral Intentions for Purchasing Hybrid Cars Using Sustainability Theory of Planned Behavior Integrated with UTAUT2

“…With the government regulation enactment, facilities, accommodation, and encouragement, behavioral intentions were evidently positive. Barbosa Junior et al [74] presented the economic dimension of the financial viability of providing production continuity with economic resources obtained through sustainable practices. Similarly, economic concerns or perceived economic concerns directly impact social influence and attitude [75].…”

Purchasing Intentions Analysis of Hybrid Cars Using Random Forest Classifier and Deep Learning

“…The latent variable perceived economic concerns (PECCs) was added. Barbosa Junior et al [63] presented the economic dimension of the financial viability of providing production continuity with economic resources obtained through sustainable practices. Their research identified three barriers: low financial return, financial incentive, and financial viability.…”