Assessing Willingness to Pay for Improved Water Services from Forest Area in Bayas Jaya Village, Lampung Province

Abstract

One of the important functions of the forest is to provide water to the community. Improvement of water services from forest areas requires the community’s participation. This study aims at (1) identifying the community’s willingness to pay for improved water services and (2) determining factors affecting the community’s willingness to pay. This study is located in Bayas Jaya Villages and the upland area of Kedondong Sub-District, Pesawaran District, Lampung Province. The study interviewed 75 farmers of 3 water services management, i.e.: (1) independent, (2) PAMSIMAS, and (3) PDAM. Each management water service was represented by 25 members who were randomly selected. Objective one is analyzed using descriptive analysis, and objective two is analyzed using a regression analysis model. The study suggests that, on average community received 10,6m3 per day, which is far higher than their daily consumed, i.e., 460 l per day. However, water surplus is not optimized as they are drained to the local sewer. Further, 56% of the community is willing to pay should water services be improved. The average willingness to pay is Rp 440,357.14 annually per family. Factors affecting the community’s willingness to pay, include (1) the PDAM model, (2) the PAMSIMAS model, (3) age, and (4) daily water discharge to family.