Adoption of Circular Economy Practices and Sustainable Performance: Empirical Evidence of Rice Farmers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

In recent years, Vietnam has demonstrated increasing interest in developing circular economy models in agriculture, particularly in rice production and related business activities. The implementation of circular economy practices is crucial in promoting sustainable development among farmers. This study aims to examine the effects of applying circular economy practices on sustainability performance. A covariance-based structural equation model with Bootstrap analysis was applied to data gathered from 370 rice farming households in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The findings revealed that there are five key factors that influence farmers’ adoption of circular economy practices: confidence in the benefits, evaluation of social response, perceived behavioral control, belief, and motivation. Furthermore, the study also demonstrated that the application of circular economy practices by farmers has a positive impact on economic, environmental, and social performance. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, extension agencies, and agricultural managers seeking to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and circular agricultural systems in the Mekong Delta and beyond.