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Farmers and forest conservation in Malawi: the disconnect between attitudes, intentions and behaviour
Author
Seline S. Meijer, Gudeta W. Sileshi, Delia Catacutan and Maarten Nieuwenhuis
Year
2015
Journal Title
Forests, Trees and Livelihoods
Institution
Taylor & Francis
Pages
1-19
Call Number
JA0641-15
Keywords
Deforestation; exploitation; gender; theory of planned behaviour; subjective norm; perceived behavioural control; Malawi
Abstract:
Malawi’s unique flora and fauna are threatened by high levels of
deforestation and forest degradation. In addition to the many
ecosystem services provided by the country’s forests, most of the
rural population of this poor country are highly dependent on forests
for provision of food, firewood, medicine, building materials and
income. This study examined farmers’ attitudes and behaviour in
relation to cutting down forest trees in two rural districts in Malawi
using the theory of planned behaviour as a conceptual framework.
A survey was administered to 200 household heads in Mzimba and
Chiradzulu districts. With strongly negative attitudes, subjective
norms and perceived behavioural control, farmers were aware of
the negative consequences associated with cutting down forest
trees, the lack of social support and obstacles encountered when
cutting down forest trees. The intention to cut down forest trees was
generally low. However, farmers were highly dependent on forest
resources, especially in the north, which is caused by high levels of
poverty and a lack of alternative income opportunities. We conclude
that poverty alleviation and livelihood diversification are crucial for
addressing the overexploitation of forest trees in Malawi.
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