Household’s Willingness to Pay for Conserving Historical and Cultural Heritages in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

This study examined smallholder farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for conserving cultural and historical heritages in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, 261 farmers were surveyed, employing a double-bounded dichotomous choice and open-ended contingent valuation method. Results showed that 61.69% (161 farmers) were willing to participate in conservation efforts. The Heckman two-stage model revealed key factors influencing participation and WTP. Marital status, extension contact frequency, social organization membership, and credit access positively influenced willingness, while sex, age, household size, and off-farm income had negative effects. In the second stage, off-farm income, extension contact, and social membership increased WTP, whereas age, marital status, and credit access reduced it. Farmers' mean WTP was estimated at 141.92 Birr (closed-ended) and 134.97 Birr (open-ended) per hectare annually. The study recommends government and stakeholders prioritize conservation strategies to enhance farmers' participation and WTP, ensuring sustainable heritage preservation in the region.