The Nexus of farmers’ Sustainable agriculture potential and readiness for more organic use in rice farming: Insights from resilience theory

Abstract

Sustainable Agriculture (SA) and the readiness of farmers to implement SA practices are broader discussions in global forums today. However, to date, there has been relatively little focus on holistically developed frameworks to assess farmers’ SA potential or their linkage to farmers’ readiness for SA practices such as adopting more organics in farming, particularly in Sri Lanka. To address this gap, we developed a conceptual model to determine farmers’ resilience in implementing more organic use in farming. The model developed was a philosophical combination of ecosystem resilience theory, the rural livelihood assessment framework, and the dimensions of personal readiness to commit to or experience an action. We derived composite indicators to explain the variances of these constructs through a detailed literature review, followed by pretesting indicators. Data were collected from 386 participants using a structured questionnaire consisting of 119 items. Partial least squares structural equation modelling techniques were used to analyze the variables and path coefficients of the model. Farmers’ sustainable agricultural potential (SAP) was found to be moderately strong in this rice cultivation region. This potential positively influences their readiness for adapting more organics in farming. Some farmers perceived government support as effective. However, this support has not yet been transformed into organic adaptation. Natural capital was identified as the most influential factor in organic farming. Farmers’ education, gender, the extent of sowing, farming methods, and agro-input type were moderating factors between SAP and their readiness for organic matter. Farmers did not deny organic adaptation and understood the need to reduce the use of chemicals.