The Role of Tenure Security and Private Time Preference in Neotropical Deforestation

Abstract

A survey of 209 Chimane Amerindian households in 18 villages in the Bolivian rain forest was done to examine the role of tenure security and private time preference on the clearance of old-growth forest. Results of Tobit regressions suggest that conflict with abutters was associated with more deforestation, but the average impatience of the household heads was associated with less deforestation. Results suggest that governments should protect the land rights of indigenous people if they wish to enhance conservation. Results cast doubts on the idea that high private time preference increases the depletion of natural resources.