Investigating smallholders' preferences for the design of REDD contracts: A case study in Akok village, Cameroon

This thesis examines smallholders’ preferences for the design of hypothetical contracts to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in Akok village, Cameroon. An attribute-based stated choice experiment survey was conducted to elicit smallholders’ preferences for various attributes and key stakeholders within the REDD value chain. A series of choice models, a latent class model and willingness-to-accept values were estimated. Results indicate substantial preference heterogeneity within the population, showing two distinct preference classes. The first class is very reluctant to enter into a REDD contract under any condition, and the second class is interested in participating if they are fairly compensated. In general, the attributes of the value chain did not influence the decisions to accept a REDD contract; rather, the decisions appear to be based on financial compensation for participation.