A Multilevel Analysis of the Determinants of Forest Conservation Behavior Among Farmers in Haiti

We provide a behavioral analysis of farmers' decisions to participate in forest conservation programs. Using the theory of planned behavior as a conceptual framework, we examine the determinants of forest conservation at the farmer level and investigate whether the organizational, structural, and ecological characteristics of Foret des Pins Reserve villages affect forest conservation behavior. Analysis of data collected from 243 farmers in 15 villages inside the reserve shows that forest conservation behavior is influenced by farmers' attitudes. Results show that forest conservation behavior can be improved by providing villagers information about benefits from the forests, increasing annual income, improving education, strengthening organizational memberships, and increasing women's involvement. Conservation behavior is greatly influenced by organizational, structural, and environmental characteristics of the villages.