"Driving paths" refer to typical combinations of mechanisms formed by the joint influence of multiple socio-ecological factors that motivate individuals to engage in specific behaviors (such as physical exercise). Exploring the driving paths of farmers' participation in physical exercise holds significant importance for enhancing their engagement in physical activity and improving their well-being. This study, which is based on the theoretical framework of socioecology, adopts a complex causality perspective and employs the fsQCA method to examine the key factors influencing the participation in physical exercise of farmers across 19 provinces in China, considering three dimensions-the individual level, interpersonal level, and community level-and eight conditional variables. The findings reveal the following: (1) Farmers' participation in physical activity is not driven by a single factor but, rather, relies on the synergy of multiple conditions. (2) Seven configurations drive farmers' participation in physical activity, and they can be classified into three pathways: individual-led dominant, Ecological interdependence, and multiple synergistic linkages. (3) In addition to the interplay of complex factors, the level of physical activity among farmers has increased, thus significantly boosting their sense of well-being. Among the pathways, the path of multiple synergistic linkages is more effective at increasing happiness than are the ecological interdependence and individual-led dominant pathways. This study recommends enhancing physical health education, promoting the widespread adoption of scientific fitness concepts, establishing a social support system for rural sports, fostering a conducive environment for physical activity, and strengthening the construction of sports infrastructure in rural areas, thus improving farmers' access to physical exercise.