Socio-Economic and Environmental Attitudinal Determinants of Rainforest Protection: A Logit Model Analysis
Abstract
This paper investigates the nature of socio-economic and environmental attitudinal attributes of people on rainforest protection. The multi-stage sampling procedure was applied.The methodology involved descriptive statistics and binary choice logit model. The result shows public awareness of deforestation and the need to protect the forest resources for future generations. The need for their present survival over-rides the long term interest of sustainable use. The willingness to embrace cost sharing of rainforest protection with the industrialized countries of the world was equally shown. Weak pro-environmental attitudes were shown. The log of bid and rainforest visitor dummy had negative and significant effect on the willingness to pay (WTP) for rainforest protection (p<0.01). Income and educational level attained had a positive and significant relationship with rainforest protection (p<0.01). The food crop producer dummy was positive and significant (p<0.01). Environmental awareness needs to be put in place. Dialogues on sharing the cost burden of rainforest protection need to be effected. Wage increases and sustainable agro forestry practices need to be put in place. These will go a long way in enhancing food crop production and positive environmental accounting by the rainforests.
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