ORCID
- Blake, Will: 0000-0001-9447-1361
Abstract
Soil erosion is a critical problem for pastoralist societies that rely on healthy grazing land for their livelihoods. Previous research suggests that unsustainable land management practice is one of the factors exacerbating soil erosion, and that willingness to adjust this practice is closely linked to community land protection norms. The present research explores approaches to building stronger community norms and intentions linked to mitigating soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists in Northern Tanzania. In particular, we compare two impact approaches based on the information deficit model (exposure to scientific information) and the social identity framework (a group-based discussion). The results demonstrate that the information deficit approach results in stronger perceived land protection norms and, indirectly, stronger intentions, as compared to the discussion-based approach. We discuss contextual features that should be taken into account when interpreting these findings and suggest these may be key for impact approach choices.
DOI
10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101885
Publication Date
2022-12-01
Publication Title
Journal of Environmental Psychology
Volume
84
ISSN
0272-4944
Embargo Period
2022-12-10
Organisational Unit
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Recommended Citation
Rabinovich, A., Zhischenko, V., Nasseri, M., Heath, S., Laizer, A., Mkilema, F., Patrick, A., Wynants, M., Blake, W., Mtei, K., & Ndakidemi, P. (2022) 'Informing versus generating a discussion: Comparing two approaches to encouraging mitigation of soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists', Journal of Environmental Psychology, 84. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101885
