Wetland restoration challenges and eco-volunteerism

Abstract

Depending on planned behaviour theory most studies have assumed a direct effect between socio-demographics and biophilia attitudes on eco-volunteerism without considering prior eco-restoration challenges. Using the expectancy motivation theory, this study assessed the challenges eco-volunteers faced during an eco-restoration exercise within the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site (Ghana) and its effects on future eco-volunteerism. The study collected data from eco-volunteers and analysed it using a paired-sampled t-test and generalised linear model ling. Per the results, eco-volunteers face challenges including transportation difficulties, limited refreshment, inadequate equipment, and interpersonal conflict with other eco-volunteers. Ecological reasons superseded social reasons as a motivating factor for eco-volunteerism. Expectancy motivation theory influence of valence played out when the combined effect of transportation difficulties, limited refreshment, inadequate equipment, and interpersonal conflicts on social reasons negatively affected future eco-volunteerism. The study recommends that organisers of eco-restoration exercises should be more sensitive to the needs of eco-volunteers and address these challenges to help encourage future eco-volunteerism.