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Does environmental knowledge drive pro-environmental behaviour in developing countries? Evidence from households in Ghana

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  • Anthony Amoah

    (Central University
    Center for Climate Compatible and Environmental Development)

  • Thomas Addoah

    (Center for Climate Compatible and Environmental Development)

Abstract

Ghana and other developing countries in Africa are currently facing severe environmental problems with their associated health implications. In the environment and development literature, environmental knowledge is generally believed to influence people’s behaviour. To help in dealing with environmental management problems commonly found in developing countries, this study models environmental knowledge as a predictor of variation in the pro-environmental behaviour of households in Ghana. Using a household survey approach, and a multinomial logit regression analysis, we found that environmental knowledge is positive and statistically highly significant in explaining pro-environmental behaviour. Also, this study acknowledges that changes in pro-environmental behaviour are accounted for by environmental knowledge (internal factors) as well as socio-economic (external) factors. Based on the findings, the study attempts to draw lessons for policy decision-making in Ghana and other developing countries with similar characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Amoah & Thomas Addoah, 2021. "Does environmental knowledge drive pro-environmental behaviour in developing countries? Evidence from households in Ghana," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 2719-2738, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10668-020-00698-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00698-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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