Work

Exploring landowner typologies and willingness to accept concerning carbon-based forest management on marginal land

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the factors influencing Non-industrial Private (NIP) landowners’ decisions to participate in Carbon-Based Forest Management (CBFM) on marginal lands, with a focus on estimating their Mean Willingness to Accept (MWTA) compensation. We conducted a survey using the Contingent Valuation Method, collecting 427 complete responses from landowners in Oklahoma. Using a multinomial logit model, we estimated the MWTA compensation and identified key determinants of enrolment. Our results show that landowners are more likely to participate when offered higher compensation, when they own more acreage of forestland, and when they are employed. Conversely, older landowners are less likely to enrol. We calculated the MWTA at $47.58 per acre per year. We employed Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify three landowner typologies: carbon enthusiasts, financially conscious landowners, and pragmatists, based on their perceptions of carbon-based forest management (CBFM). The results indicate that participation is strongly influenced by financial incentives and land characteristics. Accordingly, we recommend that carbon programmes integrate structured compensation mechanisms, targeted outreach strategies, and tailored technical support to enhance landowner engagement and increase carbon sequestration on underutilized lands.

Source: Sustainable Environment

DOI: 10.1080/27658511.2026.2737492

Authors: Sonika Poudel, Omkar Joshi, Ram K. Adhikari

Institutions: Oklahoma State University, Mississippi State University

Language: English

Topic: Forest Management and Policy

Subfield: Forestry

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma State University, National Institute of Food and Agriculture