Work

Model for assessing environmental sustainability performance in the agricultural sector: A case study on plantain cultivation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study develops and validates a structural model to assess the relationship between agricultural activity (AA) and Environmental Sustainability Performance (ESP). The model was empirically tested in plantain crops in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine causal relationships among key sustainability factors. Data were collected through a structured 28-item instrument applied to 600 administrators, managers, and owners of Agricultural Production Units (APUs). The analysis, conducted using partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0, reveals that Business Associativity (BA), Agricultural Management (AM), Citizen Participation (CP), and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have a direct and positive effect on ESP. Moreover, significant indirect effects are observed between ICTs and AM, ICTs and CP, and AM and BA, highlighting their interconnected influence on ESP. These findings emphasize the strategic role of associativity, management practices, digital transformation, and civic engagement in enhancing sustainability outcomes. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, advocating for targeted interventions and data-driven policies to foster sustainable agricultural practices. • The sharing of good practices among neighboring farms occurs intentionally on the part of the farmers, since implementing them will bring benefits indirectly to their own crops, this calls them to cooperate with each other. • Connectivity is necessary in rural areas to be able to access information technologies to improve specific problems related to agricultural practices aimed at improving crop yields. • Having access to and the skills to manage ICTs, together with the producer's knowledge of the tools and mechanisms for participation, are required for participation in projects and laws focused on environmental sustainability. • Strengthening associative processes, improving the management of records of production processes, knowing the different instances and mechanisms of participation, and having access to information and communication technologies, have a positive impact on the performance of environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector, specifically in banana crops.

Source: Global Transitions

DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.04.001

Authors: Alexis Rojas Ospina, Alexander Zúñiga Collazos

Institutions: Institución Universitaria Escuela Nacional del Deporte, Universidad del Valle

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $900