From intention to action: Enabling sustainable agriculture in emerging economies through decentralized regulations for manure management

Abstract

AbstractThis study contributes to the debate about effective regulatory strategies for environmental regulation in achieving sustainable agriculture, particularly in understudied emerging economies. We leverage the case of swine manure recovery in China to illuminate this crucial but under‐researched context. Building on the theory of planned behavior, which posits a gap between intention and behavior, we investigate how these regulations and their combinations influence swine farmers' intentions and behaviors toward resource recovery. Findings reveal command‐and‐control regulations most effectively stimulate initial intentions, while incentive‐based regulations work best in bridging the gap between intention and action. Information‐based approaches further strengthen this conversion, particularly when combined with incentives. Bridging the disciplines of regulation and behavioral science, this study advances theoretical understanding of the intention‐behavior gap in environmental policy. It informs effective regulation design that promote sustainable agricultural practices in developing countries, ultimately contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.