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Predicting Pro-Environmental Behaviour amongst Citizens in African Countries: A Cross-National Study amongst Six African Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Ayodeji P. Ifegbesan

    (Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye 120107, Ogun State, Nigeria)

  • Isaac T. Rampedi

    (Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa)

  • Biodun Ogunyemi

    (Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye 120107, Ogun State, Nigeria)

  • Lee-Ann Modley

    (Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa)

Abstract

The role of pro-environmental behaviour in environmental care and mitigation of environmental problems is widely recognised. However, most studies on pro-environmental behaviour have focused on populations living in Western and high-income countries and only a few studies are available in developing countries. In this paper, we explored and compared the determinants of pro-environmental behaviour of citizens in six African countries, namely Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. We examined the relationship between socio-demographic variables and pro-environmental behaviour of citizens within and across these countries using secondary data collected through Wave 6 of the World Value Surveys. The results showed that there were differences and some similarities in pro-environmental behaviour across the selected countries. Factors such as gender, education, social class, membership of environmental organisations and employment status positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviour among the selected respondents. Based on the study findings, recommendations are made within to improve and increase pro-environmental behaviour in the selected countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayodeji P. Ifegbesan & Isaac T. Rampedi & Biodun Ogunyemi & Lee-Ann Modley, 2022. "Predicting Pro-Environmental Behaviour amongst Citizens in African Countries: A Cross-National Study amongst Six African Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9311-:d:875301
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