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The Impacts of Social Networks and Household Forest Conservation Efforts in Rural Nepal

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  • Mani Nepal
  • Alok K. Bohara
  • Robert P. Berrens

Abstract

This paper investigates links between the strength and type of social networks and private forest conservation activity in rural Nepal. Using Nepal household survey data, this paper tests the effects of alternative social network indices on the number of trees planted on private land. Our findings show that social networks can have positive spillovers effects. However, this generalization requires careful qualification about the type of social network involved. While there has been considerable discussion about building and enhancing social networks, the policy implication is that not all networks are created equal when it comes to enhancing critical conservation activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Mani Nepal & Alok K. Bohara & Robert P. Berrens, 2007. "The Impacts of Social Networks and Household Forest Conservation Efforts in Rural Nepal," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 83(2), pages 174-191.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:landec:v:83:y:2007:i:2:p:174-191
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    3. Towa Tachibana & Sunit Adhikari, 2009. "Does Community-Based Management Improve Natural Resource Condition? Evidence from the Forests in Nepal," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 85(1), pages 107-131.
    4. Bluffstone, Randy & Dannenberg, Astrid & Martinsson, Peter & Jha, Prakash & Bista, Rajesh, 2020. "Cooperative behavior and common pool resources: Experimental evidence from community forest user groups in Nepal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    5. Phu Nguyen-Van & Anne Stenger & Tuyen Tiet, 2021. "Social incentive factors in interventions promoting sustainable behaviors: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(12), pages 1-27, December.
    6. Joshi, Janak & Ali, Mohammad & Berrens, Robert P., 2017. "Valuing farm access to irrigation in Nepal: A hedonic pricing model," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 35-46.
    7. Mekonnen, Alemu & Bluffstone, Ramdall, 2008. "Is There a Link between Common Property Forest Management and Private Tree Growing? Evidence of Behavioral Effects from Highland Ethiopia," RFF Working Paper Series dp-08-29-efd, Resources for the Future.
    8. Bluffstone, Randy, 2014. "Child Labor, the Wealth Paradox, and Common Forest Management in Bolivia," RFF Working Paper Series edf-dp-14-16, Resources for the Future.
    9. Rai, Rajesh Kumar & Dhakal, Arun & Khadayat, Madan S. & Ranabhat, Sunita, 2017. "Is collaborative forest management in Nepal able to provide benefits to distantly located users?," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 156-161.
    10. Mekonnen, Alemu & Damte, Abebe, 2011. "Private Trees as Household Assets and Determinants of Tree-Growing Behavior in Rural Ethiopia," RFF Working Paper Series dp-11-14-efd, Resources for the Future.
    11. Alemu Mekonnen & Randall Bluffstone, 2017. "Does Community Forest Collective Action Promote Private Tree Planting? Evidence from Ethiopia," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 10(5), pages 86-106, May.
    12. Chand, Narendra & Kerr, Geoffrey N. & Bigsby, Hugh, 2015. "Production efficiency of community forest management in Nepal," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 172-179.
    13. Bluffstone, Randy & Robinson, Elizabeth & Guthiga, Paul, 2013. "REDD+and community-controlled forests in low-income countries: Any hope for a linkage?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 43-52.
    14. Antoci, Angelo & Sacco, Pier Luigi & Vanin, Paolo, 2008. "Participation, growth and social poverty: social capital in a homogeneous society," MPRA Paper 13661, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    15. Mani Nepal & Rajesh Kumar Rai & Saudamini Das & Laxmi Dutt Bhatta & Rajan Kotru & Madan Singh Khadayat & Ranbeer Singh Rawal & G. C. S. Negi, 2018. "Valuing Cultural Services of the Kailash Sacred Landscape for Sustainable Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-19, October.
    16. Sarkhel, Prasenjit, 2015. "Flood risk, land use and private participation in embankment maintenance in Indian Sundarbans," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 272-284.
    17. Bluffstone, Randy & Robinson, Elizabeth & Guthiga, Paul, 2012. "Deforestation and forest degradation are estimated to account for between 12 percent and 20 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions. These activities, largely in the developing world, released abou," RFF Working Paper Series dp-12-11-efd, Resources for the Future.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q23 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Forestry
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements

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