Level of farmers' implementation of sustainable agricultural development practices in Jordan

Abstract The goal of this work is to determine key demographic factors among interviewed farmers, to measure their extent to sources of information regarding practices in agricultural development towards sustainability, to determine to what extent these practices are practiced by certain practices related to sustainability (soil sustainability, water sustainability, air sustainability, reducing wastage and agricultural wastage recycling) and to determine factors influencing overall practice in these practices in addition to determining to what extent these practices have a relative contribution in determining differences in practice among farmers. This work employed a social survey methodology in Ajloun Governorate in Jordan in the area of Kafranga to target a sample of 146 Rajeb area farmers. Between August to October 2023, data was collected through structured interviewing using an interviewing guide in the form of a questionnaire. Statistical methods have been employed to analyze collected data, including frequency distribution, percentage, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, correlation statistics and stepwise multiple regression statistics. A moderate level of sustainable agriculture practices was exhibited by around 39.7% of farmers. These variations were explained by four main factors namely years of education, age, future planning and involvement. Moreover, future planning and education play a significant role in motivating farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. This emphasizes the importance of supporting sustainable agricultural extension programs as these programs help farmers understand sustainability and teach better water management. Policymakers should build these ideas into agricultural policy, supporting them with real financial incentives and practical training. This is how more farmers can be brought into sustainable practices.