Evolutionary game analysis of resource sharing and waste management synergies in peri-urban agriculture for sustainable smallholder farming systems

Peri-urban agriculture (PA) offers significant social, economic, and environmental benefits but also presents challenges. By leveraging opportunities and addressing challenges, PA can become more sustainable. In tropical regions, integrating high-value crops such as coffee and rubber into forest garden models could support PA. Expanding High-Value Intercropping Forest Garden (HIFG) synergies into a multi-farmer coalition of pesticide-free coffee, pesticide-free rubber, and free-range chicken farmers can enhance resource sharing and waste management, improving sustainability and efficiency. This study examines the evolutionary game dynamics of a four-party cooperation model, involving the local government and three smallholder farmers (CFA: Coffee family A, RFB: Rubber family B, and CFC: Chicken family C). The aim is to optimize resource sharing and waste management to increase efficiency and reduce waste. We develop a multifaceted evolutionary game model to analyze stakeholder behaviors under government incentives. Stability analysis identifies Evolutionarily Stable Strategies (ESSs) within this framework. MATLAB simulations, based on HIFG data from Vietnam’s central highlands, validate the results. Our findings highlight the importance of government support, subsidies, and the costs incurred in resource sharing and waste management. These factors are key to achieving a stable equilibrium and promoting sustainable farming. The research emphasizes the role of government policies in fostering cooperation, resource optimization, and waste reduction, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and resilient agricultural supply chain. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen resource sharing and circular economy practices in urban agriculture, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).