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Can Reminders of Rules Induce Compliance? Experimental Evidence from a Common Pool Resource Setting

Author

Listed:
  • Sabrina Eisenbarth

    (University of Exeter Business School)

  • Louis Graham

    (Busara Center For Behavioral Economics)

  • Anouk S. Rigterink

    (Durham University School of Government and International Affairs)

Abstract

This paper presents results from an RCT exploring whether a behavioural intervention can improve the conservation of a common pool resource. The literature on common pool resource management suggests that the existence of rules and sanctions is important to resource conservation. However, behavioural science suggests that individuals have finite cognitive capacity and may not be attentive to these rules and sanctions. This paper investigates the impact of an SMS message intervention designed to improve users’ knowledge of and attentiveness to existing forest use rules. An RCT in Uganda explores the impact of these messages on forest use and compliance with the rules. This paper finds that SMS messages raise the perceived probability of sanctions for rule-breakers. However, SMS messages do not induce full compliance with forest use rules or systematically reduce forest use.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina Eisenbarth & Louis Graham & Anouk S. Rigterink, 2021. "Can Reminders of Rules Induce Compliance? Experimental Evidence from a Common Pool Resource Setting," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 79(4), pages 653-681, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:enreec:v:79:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10640-020-00526-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10640-020-00526-w
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Common pool resources; Forest; Deforestation; SMS messages; Use rules; Sanctioning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q2 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products

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