Does socioeconomic status of farmers determine the adoption of forest landscape restoration practices? Evidence from Central Togo

Abstract

Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) has gained significant attention as a global initiative to address forest and land degradation. While most studies emphasize the diverse benefits of FLR, very few have investigated the extensive nature of its adoption. This study investigates the drivers that determine the adoption and intensity of FLR practices among smallholder farmers in central Togo. Using multivariate probit (mvprobit) and ordered probit models, we analyze the socioeconomic, ecological, and biophysical determinants of FLR adoption. The data was collected from 313 households in the Tchamba prefecture through a two-stage sampling technique. The FLR practices considered in this study include agroforestry, woodlot plantations, compost application, conservation agriculture, soil and water conservation, and farmer-managed natural regeneration. The mvprobit results indicate that gender, age, marital status, household size, land degradation status, land acquisition mode and perceived plot land values significantly influence FLR adoption. Furthermore, gender, residence status, household size, land degradation status, association membership, and the perceived plot land value are critical drivers of FLR adoption intensity. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing land tenure security, especially for women and marginalized groups, and expanding financial support through credit and subsidies. Strengthening agricultural extension services is also crucial for effective FLR implementation.

Keywords

• Forest landscape restoration
• socioeconomic drivers
• adoption
• smallholder farmers
• sustainable land management