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Analyzing and Prioritizing the Barriers and Solutions of Sustainable Agriculture for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals in China

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  • Jiangning Cao

    (Business School, Xinyang Normal University (XYNU), Xinyang 464000, China
    School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL), Wuhan 430073, China)

  • Yasir Ahmed Solangi

    (School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture is crucial to the United Nations’ efforts to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, to develop successful policies and strategies, it is necessary to assess the many obstacles to implementing sustainable agriculture. This study uses Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to analyze the challenges and opportunities facing sustainable agriculture in China’s economy, particularly in advancing the SDGs. Three enormous obstacles are found in the study, along with fifteen smaller ones that are broken down into economic, social, and environmental categories. The weights of the obstacles and sub-barriers are determined, and the solutions for sustainable agriculture are ranked using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methodologies. According to the AHP approach, economic issues are China’s most significant obstacles to sustainable agriculture, followed by environmental and social concerns. Climate change and a lack of financial incentives are the two highest-ranked sub-barriers. On the other hand, the SAW approach suggests that the best ways to achieve the SDGs through sustainable agriculture are through international cooperation, financial investments in sustainable agriculture, and alternative agricultural methods. In order to advance sustainable agriculture and the SDGs in China, the report advises policymakers to focus on strengthening institutional support, increasing public awareness, and making technological investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiangning Cao & Yasir Ahmed Solangi, 2023. "Analyzing and Prioritizing the Barriers and Solutions of Sustainable Agriculture for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:10:p:8317-:d:1151306
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    2. Ibrahim A. Elshaer & Alaa M. S. Azazz & Salah S. Hassan & Sameh Fayyad, 2023. "Farm-to-Fork and Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Perceived Economic Benefit as a Moderator and Environmental Sustainability as a Mediator," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability," MPRA Paper 118215, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 26 Jul 2023.
    4. Dai, Yijia & Chen, Xuanyuan, 2023. "Evaluating green financing mechanisms for natural resource management: Implications for achieving sustainable development goals," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PB).
    5. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability," MPRA Paper 118216, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 04 Aug 2023.

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