Informing versus generating a discussion: Comparing two approaches to encouraging mitigation of soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists : Sussex Research Online

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Rabinovich, Anna, Zhischenko, Vladimir, Nasseri, Mona, Heath, Stacy C, Laizer, Alpha, Mkilema, Francis, Patrick, Aloyce, Wynants, Maarten, Blake, William H, Mtei, Kelvin and Ndakidemi, Patrick (2022) Informing versus generating a discussion: Comparing two approaches to encouraging mitigation of soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 84. a101885 1-9. ISSN 0272-4944

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101885

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.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Soil erosion, Information deficit model, Group norms, Group identification, Pro-enviromental action, Sustainable land management
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Mx Elements Account
Depositing User:	Mx Elements Account
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2022 10:12
Last Modified:	17 Jan 2023 10:00
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/108542

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