Informing versus generating a discussion: Comparing two approaches to encouraging mitigation of soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rabinovich, Anna; Zhischenko, Vladimir; Nasseri, Mona; Heath, Stacey C.; Laizer, Alpha; Mkilema, Francis; Patrick, Aloyce; Wynants, Maarten; Blake, William H.; Mtei, Kelvin; Ndakidemi, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental psychology. Volume 84(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Soil erosion -- Information deficit model -- Group norms -- Group identification -- Pro-environmental action -- Sustainable land management; Environmental psychology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101885
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4944

Abstract

Abstract: Soil erosion is a critical problem for pastoralist societies that rely on healthy grazing land for their livelihoods. Previous research suggests that unsustainable land management practice is one of the factors exacerbating soil erosion, and that willingness to adjust this practice is closely linked to community land protection norms. The present research explores approaches to building stronger community norms and intentions linked to mitigating soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists in Northern Tanzania. In particular, we compare two impact approaches based on the information deficit model (exposure to scientific information) and the social identity framework (a group-based discussion). The results demonstrate that the information deficit approach results in stronger perceived land protection norms and, indirectly, stronger intentions, as compared to the discussion-based approach. We discuss contextual features that should be taken into account when interpreting these findings and suggest these may be key for impact approach choices. Highlights: We compare two approaches to motivating sustainable land management in Tanzania. One is based on providing scientific information, the other on group discussion. The information provision approach results in stronger land protection norms. There is an indirect effect of information approach on intentions via community norms.