Investigating smallholders' preferences for the design of REDD contracts: A case study in Akok village, Cameroon

• Author / Creator

  Schmidt, Caitlin J

• This thesis examines smallholders’ preferences for the design of hypothetical contracts to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in Akok village, Cameroon. An attribute-based stated choice experiment survey was conducted to elicit smallholders’ preferences for various attributes and key stakeholders within the REDD value chain. A series of choice models, a latent class model and willingness-to-accept values were estimated. Results indicate substantial preference heterogeneity within the population, showing two distinct preference classes. The first class is very reluctant to enter into a REDD contract under any condition, and the second class is interested in participating if they are fairly compensated. In general, the attributes of the value chain did not influence the decisions to accept a REDD contract; rather, the decisions appear to be based on financial compensation for participation.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • REDD
  • Latent class model
  • PES
  • Willingness to accept
  • Choice experiments
  • Logit model

• Graduation date

  Spring 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3T03F

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.