The Role of Environmental Knowledge and Perceived Ecological Benefits in Shaping Farmers’ Pro-Environmental Behaviour Towards Rural Solid Waste

Encouraging farmers to adopt pro-environmental practices for the management of rural solid waste is a sustainable solution that can prevent significant harm to rural residents. However, there is limited research focused on the pro-environmental behaviour of rural residents in relation to rural solid waste, and the determinants influencing it. To address this gap, a questionnaire survey was conducted in Guizhou Province, China, and 240 valid responses were collected. A regression equation for the determinants influencing pro-environmental behaviour was developed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software, and the model was cross-validated using partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis to ensure the reliability of the results. The data analysis shows that environmental commitment, subjective norms, and attitude are fundamental predictors of pro-environmental behaviour. Additionally, environmental knowledge and perceived ecological benefits are significant determinants of farmers’ environmental commitment, subjective norms, and attitude. This study presents practical and theoretical implications for farmers and local authorities, along with recommendations for improving the current situation of rural solid waste management and enhancing the pro-environmental behaviour of farming households.