Demographic Influences on Farmers' Environmental Protection Behaviors in the Mekong Delta

This study examines the influence of demographic factors on farmers' environmental protection behaviors in the Mekong Delta, a region vital for Vietnam’s ecological and agricultural sustainability. Focusing on gender, education, farm size, and agricultural experience, the study identifies key demographic determinants across agricultural production, technology investment, and daily life. A cross-sectional survey of 250 farmers from a Mekong Delta province was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising six scales, which demonstrated acceptable reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. Results revealed significant demographic differences: female farmers scored higher in agricultural production practices (M = 3.02, SD = 0.76) than males (M = 2.78, SD = 0.71, p = 0.013); farmers with higher education outperformed those with lower education in technology investment (M = 3.21 vs. M = 2.70, p < 0.001); small-scale farmers engaged more strongly in environmental behaviors (p = 0.029); and farmers with less than 10 years of experience reported better environmental practices (p < 0.001). The findings highlight the need for targeted policies and educational programs to address demographic disparities and promote sustainable farming practices, particularly among women, smaller-scale farmers, and less-experienced farmers. Future research should integrate economic and institutional factors to further enhance environmental stewardship in the Mekong Delta.