How Livelihood Capital Affects Farmers’ Green Production Behavior: Analysis of Mediating Effects Based on Farmers’ Cognition

Jieyu Yang () and Xiujuan Cui
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Jieyu Yang: College of Finance and Economics, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Xiujuan Cui: College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: In light of global climate change and sustainable agricultural growth, it is critical to look at producers’ green production methods. Enhancing the quality of agricultural goods and reducing agricultural pollution are the main goals of future agricultural growth, and this is accomplished by farmers using green production methods. Regarding the research data of 364 vegetable farmers, this study uses structural equation modeling and a mediation effect model to empirically assess the effect of livelihood capital and farmers’ cognition on their green behavior. The results show that (1) natural capital, human capital, financial capital, and social capital in the livelihood capital of vegetable growers may significantly impact producers’ green production behavior. It is not immediately clear how physical capital affects the way green manufacturing practices work. (2) Natural capital and green production behavior are completely mediated by environmental and policy cognition, while human capital and green production behavior are partly mediated by environmental and policy cognition. Human and natural capital indirectly influence farmers’ sustainable production techniques via these activities. Financial and social capital directly influence farmers’ sustainable production methods, with no mediation effect seen. (3) Farmers’ green production behavior is more significantly influenced by their cognitive behavior than by their livelihood capital. Accordingly, it is recommended that environmental education and policy promotion be strengthened, that farmers’ livelihood capital be accumulated via a variety of channels, that farmers’ subsidies for green production be increased, and that farmers’ knowledge of green production be improved. The cognitive level of farmers should also be raised. In addition to providing theoretical justification for analyzing farmers’ green production practices within the framework of sustainable agricultural development, this study also acts as a guide for pertinent government agencies to help farmers choose more ecologically friendly farming methods.

Keywords: livelihood capital; green production behavior; farmer cognition; mediating effect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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