Investigating the impact of barriers, pressures and enablers on farmers' behavior in circular economy application with emphasis on wastes agricultureand garden recycling

Vahedi, Marjan; Delshad, Efat; Eshraghi Samani, Roya; Moradnezhadi, Homayoon

doi:10.22069/jead.2026.23647.1904

Investigating the impact of barriers, pressures and enablers on farmers' behavior in circular economy application with emphasis on wastes agricultureand garden recycling

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

¹ Department of Agricultural Extension and Education. IL.C, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran

² Department of Agricultural Economics, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

³ Department of Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.

10.22069/jead.2026.23647.1904

Abstract

Global agricultural production methods are predominantly based on a linear economy, where natural resources are disposed of as waste after use. This process not only leads to environmental pollution but also causes the depletion of natural resources. In contrast, the circular economy (CE) emerges as a novel alternative, emphasizing optimal resource utilization and waste reduction through leasing, reuse, and recycling. This quantitative study aims to investigate the influence of barriers, pressures, and enablers on farmers' behavior regarding the adoption of CE practices, specifically in recycling agricultural and horticultural waste in Western Iran. The statistical population comprised all farmers generating agricultural/horticultural waste in the western region of the country. A stratified random sample of 384 farmers was selected. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire, validated by five experts, and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's Alpha and composite reliability. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results indicated that pressures (γ= 0.42) and enablers (γ= 0.258) have a significant positive effect on farmers' recycling behavior. Conversely, barriers (γ=-0.158) exerted a significant negative influence. The coefficient of determination (R2) for recycling behavior was 0.29, signifying the explanatory power of the exogenous variables on farmers' waste recycling behavior. These findings highlight the critical roles of external influences and obstacles and should inform the design of effective interventions to promote waste recycling behavior in agriculture, particularly concerning crop and orchard residues.

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