The impact of social capital and self-efficacy on farmers' well-being in Guizhou Province, China

The well-being of farmers in Guizhou has consistently ranked among the lowest in China, however it has not received sufficient attention in academic research. In particular, the factors and mechanisms influencing their well-being require greater exploration. This study develops a research framework based on three dimensions of social capital bonding, bridging, and linking as well as self-efficacy, to investigate their impact on farmers' well-being in Guizhou Province, China. Using a second-order model and cross-sectional design, 580 respondents were collected through questionnaires. Data was analysed using SPSS 26 and SmartPLS, with structural equation modeling employed as the statistical method. The results show that bonding social capital (through family support, friends’ support, and community support) significantly improves farmers' well-being. Furthermore, linking social capital, facilitated by interactions with formal institutions or organisations, increases trust and engagement, which positively affects farmers' well-being. However, bridging social capital did not demonstrate a significant positive effect on well-being. Additionally, self-efficacy serves as a crucial mediating variable between social capital and wellbeing, directly improving well-being while also amplifying the positive effects of social capital. These findings fill a gap in the existing literature regarding the interaction between farmers' well-being, social capital, and self-efficacy, providing valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural development organisations. It is crucial to develop strategies that align with the characteristics of different types of social capital and address the specific needs of farmers. For example, improving management transparency and creating a secure information environment are key priorities. While strengthening bonding and linking social capital, it is also essential to explore effective ways to leverage bridging social capital to comprehensively improving farmers' well-being. This study not only extends and strengthens existing knowledge but also provides a stronger theoretical and empirical foundation for future research.