Does environmental knowledge drive pro-environmental behaviour in developing countries? Evidence from households in Ghana

Ghana and other developing countries in Africa are currently facing severe environmental problems with their associated health implications. In the environment and development literature, environmental knowledge is generally believed to influence people's behaviour. To help in dealing with environmental management problems commonly found in developing countries, this study models environmental knowledge as a predictor of variation in the pro-environmental behaviour of households in Ghana. Using a household survey approach, and a multinomial logit regression analysis, we found that environmental knowledge is positive and statistically highly significant in explaining pro-environmental behaviour. Also, this study acknowledges that changes in pro-environmental behaviour are accounted for by environmental knowledge (internal factors) as well as socio-economic (external) factors. Based on the findings, the study attempts to draw lessons for policy decision-making in Ghana and other developing countries with similar characteristics.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the positive impact of environmental knowledge on promoting pro-environmental behavior in households in Ghana, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental issues in developing countries. Additionally, the study emphasizes the role of both internal environmental knowledge and external socio-economic factors in influencing pro-environmental behavior. The findings provide valuable insights for policy decision-making in Ghana and other developing countries with similar characteristics.