What Explains Collective Action in Forest Management? Evidence from Benishangul Gumuf Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study examines factors that influence collective action in the lowland bamboo forest of Benishangul Gumuz region. The study is based on data obtained from randomly selected 384 households. Descriptive and econometric models were used to analyze the data. After controlling for heterogeneity among households, we find strong substitution opportunities across collective action initiatives. The result shows that that participation in NRM is significantly influenced by factors, such as agro-ecology, settlement condition, households’ income, networking, and households’ perceptions towards group size. Whereas sex of household head, forest property rights, and gross income earned, heterogeneity and networking are the most important factors determining participation in hazard management. Indeed, sex of the household head, property rights, and networking capacity were found to be the important determinants of participation in information provision. These findings support the need to strengthen collective action institutions to manage local bamboo forest resources. Moreover, the results suggest the need for a diagnostic approach in the analysis of collective action in diverse socioeconomic and ecological settings.