Wetland Management in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia: Analysis of Environmental Behavior, Economic Valuation and Stakeholders’ Action
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Date
2020-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The wetlands of Ethiopia are under continuous degradation owing to human and natural
factors. This study aimed to examine the current wetland management in the Central Rift
Valley Lakes region of Ethiopia. The study employed data collected from 405 household
surveys, nine participatory rural appraisals, 78 key informant interviews, and a review of
policy documents and legal frameworks in Ethiopia. Multiple linear regressions, Sobel
mediator test, multinomial logit, and random parameter logit models were used for the
analysis of quantitative data, whereas thematic analysis was employed for analysis of
qualitative data. The study results showed that most household respondents possess a
relatively good level of knowledge of wetlands and their ecosystem services, favorable
attitude, and intention to manage wetlands. The vast majority (94.1%) of the respondents
confirmed the degradation of the wetlands, and 54.1% of the households reported a high
level of pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed
that factors, namely age, household size, income, benefit from wetlands, number of livestock,
farmland size, knowledge, attitude, participation intention, participation in an off-farm job
and distance, were the key determinants of household PEB. Multinomial and random
parameter logit analysis revealed that despite heterogeneity in preference, households
ascribe the highest value for biodiversity enhancement; followed by improvement in the
water. Age, education, income, location, and distance significantly predict household
preference. Household average and aggregate willingness to pay values are U.S. $ 7.5 and
694,141 respectively for a change from the status quo to high impact improvement scenario.
Stakeholder Analysis demonstrated that the management of wetlands is in the realm of
multiple stakeholders that are classified as local stakeholders, government institutions,
economic actors, research institutions, and external bodies. Weak coordination, conflicting
and/or overlapping actions, interests, roles, responsibilities, and power asymmetry
characterize the stakeholders‟ arena. Inconsistent institutional arrangements, vague
provisions, and weak enforcement are other challenges. Thus, there is a need to improve
and foster locals‟ PEB by designing proactive strategies such as environmental education
and by initiating payment for environmental services. To ensure effective engagement of
stakeholders in wetland management, multi-stakeholder mechanisms have to be developed
at various levels through public-private partnerships.
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Keywords
Wetlands, Pro-environmental Behavior, Valuation, Stakeholders, Central Rift Valley