Factors Influencing Willingness To Pay For Wetland Ecosystems Conservation: A Contingent Valuation Study Of Lake Victoria Ecosystem In Kenya
EDP Sciences
Download
Abstract: This peer-reviewed study applies the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) for wetland conservation in Kenya?s Lake Victoria Basin. Drawing on responses from 394 households across five counties, it identifies key socio-demographic and economic factors influencing WTP?such as county of residence, education level, household income, land ownership, and participation in lake-based livelihoods. The findings show that residents engaged in fishing, farming, and local businesses or with access to grazing land near the lake are more willing to contribute financially to conservation programs. Residents of Siaya County and those with higher education and income levels were especially supportive. The study advocates for leveraging WTP as a market-based approach for financing ecosystem protection and recommends integrating public education, equitable resource planning, and inclusive policy design to safeguard wetland services.