Predicting Behavioral Intention of Rural Inhabitants toward Economic Incentive for Deforestation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Saif Ullah, Ali Abid, Waqas Aslam, Rana Shahzad Noor, Muhammad Mohsin Waqas and Tian Gang
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Saif Ullah: College of Economics and Management, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Ali Abid: College of Economics and Management, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Waqas Aslam: College of Economics and Management, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Rana Shahzad Noor: Department of Agriculture, Biological, Environment and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
Muhammad Mohsin Waqas: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan
Tian Gang: College of Economics and Management, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-17

Abstract: The conservation of forest in the northern areas of Pakistan is the major priority of the national environmental policy to fight against global warming. Despite the policy for the protection of forest, rural residents’ behavior toward economic incentives for deforestation may undermine their conservation goals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the factors that affect the illegal behaviors related to deforestation in the northern areas of Pakistan. The present study applied the socio-psychological theory of planned behavior to predict the behavioral intention of rural residents toward economic incentives for deforestation. Correlations were explored between background factors toward motivations for deforestation based on positive and negative views through open-ended questions. Attitude and descriptive norm were found good predictors to perceive the behaviors. The findings of the study suggest that rural communities’ support for compliance with policies is vital for the long-term efficacy and protection of the forest in the region. Further, change in the behaviors of inhabitants toward the ecosystem through training can be improved to manage the forest.

Keywords: forest conservation; forest management; rural residents; economic incentives; Pakistan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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