Understanding the nexus between forest dependence and willingness to pay for forest conservation: case of forest dependent households in Kenya

Purpose Forests support human livelihoods and mitigate against climate change, yet they are at a risk of irreversible loss due to high degradation rates. The success forest conservation mechanisms depends on involvement by dependent communities. In this paper, the authors assess household's willingness pay (WTP) labour or cash for programme seeking restore degraded forestland in Mount Elgon Forest, Kenya. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 919 households Mt reserve, A double bounded contingent valuation approach was used examine households' WTP an ordered probit model estimate determinants WTP. Findings findings study show higher through days (12 days/month, equivalent 1800 KES/month) compared (KES 450/month). Forest dependence has significant influence activities. observed amongst with vulnerability (high shocks value, low asset value those poorest wealth categories) implying that more willing contribute conservation. Originality/value While emerging literature is growing, few studies have paid attention There limited use in-kind contribution as payment vehicle study's form suggesting importance embracing mechanism supporting contexts developing countries.