A causal sustainable natural rubber development framework using a hierarchical structure with linguistic preferences in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract Natural rubber development is facing sustainability challenges, such as price volatility, human rights violations, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. There is a lack of valid measurement attributes to assess sustainable natural rubber development. This study contributes to the literature by providing a set of sustainable natural rubber development attributes and determining a model of their causal interrelationships based on qualitative information. A mixed-method approach comprising the fuzzy Delphi method and the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation technique is used to validate and map the attributes in the model. The findings indicate that technical support has the most significant influence on preventing the economic and social risks involved in natural rubber development. Furthermore, environmental sustainability and economic sustainability interact, and one cannot be achieved without the other. Promoting value addition, natural rubber quality, capital investment, marketing platforms, alternative income sources, attitudes towards change, and material consumption are significant criteria identified as priorities to enhance smallholder producers’ sustainability. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided.