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Nudges, social norms and permanence in agri-environmental schemes

Author

Listed:
  • Laure Kuhfuss

    (Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews)

  • Raphaële Préget

    (INRA, UMR 1135 LAMETA, F-34000 Montpellier, France)

  • Sophie Thoye

    (Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1135 LAMETA, F-34000 Montpellier, France)

  • Nick Hanley

    (Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews)

  • Philippe Le Coent

    (Université Montpellier 1, UMR 5474 LAMETA, F-34000 Montpellier, France)

  • Mathieu Désolé

    (Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1135 LAMETA, F-34000 Montpellier, France)

Abstract

The permanence of land management practices adopted under Agri-environmental schemes (AES) is often questioned. This paper investigates the drivers of farmers’ decision to maintain or not the adopted practices beyond the duration of the contract, and especially the effect of social norms and framing on this decision. Our results, based on the stated intentions of 395 farmers, show that pecuniary but also non-pecuniary motivations drive farmers’ decision, which is significantly influenced by information about the social norm. These results lead to recommendations for “nudging” farmers, by conveying information to them on other farmers’ decisions concerning pro-environmental land management practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Laure Kuhfuss & Raphaële Préget & Sophie Thoye & Nick Hanley & Philippe Le Coent & Mathieu Désolé, 2015. "Nudges, social norms and permanence in agri-environmental schemes," Discussion Papers in Environment and Development Economics 2015-15, University of St. Andrews, School of Geography and Sustainable Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:sss:wpaper:2015-15
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agri-environmental schemes; Permanence; Framing; Social norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • Q28 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Government Policy

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