Abstract
In light of the increased importance of sustainability issues in the world economy, this study calculates the economic value of the swampy wetlands in Ghana’s Northern and Ashanti region, based on rice farmers’ and community members’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the sustainable use of the wetlands. It also examines the factors influencing this WTP. Data from 160 rice farmers and community members in four districts were collected via a questionnaire survey. A logistic regression model was employed to determine the significance of the influencing factors, while the respondents’ WTP was estimated by the contingent valuation method. The results revealed that 89.4% of the respondents were willing to contribute about 54.90–213.11 USD/household/ha/year and an aggregated 0.298–1.158 million USD/year to ensure swampy wetland sustainability. On an average, they were willing to pay 180.17 USD/household/ha/year and an aggregated 0.979 million USD/year. Gender, household size, household disposable income, and knowledge of the importance of wetlands were found to be the determinants of WTP. We recommend that farmers and the public be educated on wetland ecosystems and family planning. In addition, reducing household size and providing rice farmers with adequate irrigation and postharvest facilities are worthwhile conservation measures.
Highlights
Accepted: 26 May 2021Wetlands play a vital role in the sustenance of living organisms through the provision of a diverse range of ecosystem services vital to their well-being [1]
This study assessed rice farmers’ and community members’ willingness to pay (WTP) to ensure sustainable utilization of swampy wetlands in Ghana’s Northern and Ashanti Regions; we analyzed its predictors by calculating the WTP by the contingent valuation method (CVM) and ordered logistic regression
The study was based on a sample of 160 participants from four districts, selected due to their exposure to postharvest losses, inadequate irrigation facilities, and overreliance on rainfall for agriculture, which are the contributing factors to the expansion of swampy wetlands under rice production [13,24]
Summary
Accepted: 26 May 2021Wetlands play a vital role in the sustenance of living organisms through the provision of a diverse range of ecosystem services vital to their well-being [1]. Wetlands are described as “areas of marsh/swamp, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporal, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or slat, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters” [2]. They support livelihoods for those who generate income from agricultural production, contribute to social and cultural well-being, and have aesthetic value for humans [3,4]. People use and appreciate the plants, animals, and minerals in the wetland ecosystem [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
