Sustainable Farming Dynamics: Constraints, Motivators, and Farm Decisions Shape Farm Household Livelihood Security

Abstract

In the context of mounting climate variability and agrarian distress, sustainable farming practices are widely acknowledged for their contribution to food security, ecological resilience, and the strengthening of rural livelihoods in India. However, their adoption among smallholder farmers continues to be relatively low. Drawing on the conceptual framework, the present study investigates how various motivators and constraints shape farmers’ engagement with sustainable practices and influencing their livelihood security in Karnataka, India. Using survey data from 243 farm households across four administrative divisions, the research employed structural equation modeling to empirically evaluate the proposed direct effects and moderating relationships. It was found that economic and market constraints as well as knowledge and capacity deficits significantly hindered adoption, while positive motivators including premium pricing, environmental awareness and health consciousness facilitated adoption. Notably, behavioral factors did not operate independently but shaped how farmers’ interpreted economic and institutional outcomes. Institutional support further enhanced the impact of adoption on livelihood security, emphasizing its moderating role. The findings highlighted the need for integrated policies that can address structural barriers, foster capacity-building, and strengthen institutional networks meanwhile harnessing behavioral drivers. These findings suggest that policy interventions focusing solely on incentives are unlikely to succeed unless they are aligned with farmers’ behavioral orientations and supported by robust institutional mechanisms.