Household’s Willingness to Pay for Conserving Historical and Cultural Heritages in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined smallholder farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for conserving cultural and historical heritages in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, 261 farmers were surveyed, employing a double-bounded dichotomous choice and open-ended contingent valuation method. Results showed that 61.69% (161 farmers) were willing to participate in conservation efforts. The Heckman two-stage model revealed key factors influencing participation and WTP. Marital status, extension contact frequency, social organization membership, and credit access positively influenced willingness, while sex, age, household size, and off-farm income had negative effects. In the second stage, off-farm income, extension contact, and social membership increased WTP, whereas age, marital status, and credit access reduced it. Farmers' mean WTP was estimated at 141.92 Birr (closed-ended) and 134.97 Birr (open-ended) per hectare annually. The study recommends government and stakeholders prioritize conservation strategies to enhance farmers' participation and WTP, ensuring sustainable heritage preservation in the region.
Authors: Chirotaw Tsegaw, Alelgn Takele
Institution: Asossa University
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7133677539