Development and validation of an index to measure agricultural sustainability

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to develop and validate an agricultural sustainability measurement index. A multi-stage process was introduced and employed to develop and to validate the index. Statistical population of the study consisted of Iranian wheat farmers. The related data were analyzed using various multivariate statistical methods i.e. principal component factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Principal component factor analysis classified agricultural sustainability measurement indicators into four factors/criteria including "social equity and well-being", "durability", "stability and compatibility", and "productivity and efficiency". Factor structure of agricultural sustainability measurement index was then subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and fit indices of the model proved the measurement structure of index. Finally, 23 main indicators were introduced to measure agricultural sustainability. And the validity and reliability of the instrument were tested. Regarding the challenges of researchers, decision-makers and policymakers in improving and attaining agricultural sustainability, agricultural sustainability measurement index developed and validated in this study and its processes might be useful in directing/redirecting agricultural policies, rational comparison of different regions in terms of agricultural sustainability, and facilitating interventions. Besides, regarding that the index has been validated in Iran (a region with different climatic variations), that might be used for wider geographic range limits and climatic zones.