Environmental Awareness and Its Influence on Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Insights from Farmers in the Andean Region of Ecuador

Farmers’ perceptions of adopting sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) in Global South countries are critical in shaping their willingness to engage in climate change adaptation. While SAPs provide significant societal and environmental benefits, the decision to adopt these practices often depends on farmers’ decision-making processes, which are influenced by demographic, socioeconomic factors, and environmental awareness. Despite efforts by national and international institutions to enhance farmers’ well-being through environmental stewardship, achieving effective and sustainable long-term interventions remains a challenge. This study focuses on analyzing the role of environmental awareness and trust in the adoption of SAPs. To explore this, 82 farmers were surveyed from two intervention sites participating in the “Biocorridors for Living Well” program in Ecuador. A methodological framework was employed, combining factor analysis with land use and land change analysis. The results revealed that farmers’ environmental awareness does not necessarily translate into the adoption of sustainable practices. Moreover, the survey indicated that farmers place greater trust in their traditional agricultural practices compared to modern practices, such as agroforestry and tree nurseries. These findings are essential for informing future policy considerations in ecosystem conservation programs. They highlight the importance of integrating farmers’ training in modern agricultural systems with a foundation in local knowledge. Additionally, supporting community development by strengthening trust-based relationships among local stakeholders should serve as the cornerstone for sustainability.