Influence of Residents' Biospheric Values on Environmentally Responsible Behaviour at Saiwa Swamp National Park
Main Article Content
Keywords
Biospheric values, environmentally responsible behaviour, Saiwa Swamp National Park, wetland conservation, residents
Abstract
Saiwa Swamp National Park's biodiversity is threatened by sand harvesting, riverbank cultivation, and the removal of bulrush grass by residents living adjacent to the park. Understanding how the environmental values held by residents shape their behavioural responses is key for promoting environmentally responsible actions. This study investigates the influence of residents' biospheric values on environmentally responsible behaviour at Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kenya. Guided by the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) framework, a correlational research design was employed, and data were collected using closed-ended questionnaires from 384 adult residents sampled through systematic random sampling from a target population of 53,994 residents living adjacent to the park. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong, significant positive relationship between biospheric values and environmentally responsible behaviour (r = 0.734, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the model explained 61.8% of the variance in ERB (R² = 0.618), with biospheric values emerging as a strong significant positive predictor (β = 0.416, p = 0.001). The findings demonstrate that residents who strongly endorse biospheric values prioritizing pollution prevention, unity with nature, and environmental protection are significantly more likely to engage in civic, educational, and leadership actions that support conservation. The study recommends that the Kenya Wildlife Service implement targeted environmental education initiatives emphasising ecological stewardship, biodiversity protection, and pollution prevention across all age groups via schools and community forums. Integrating value-based frameworks into national conservation policies is advised to strengthen biospheric orientations and promote sustained environmentally responsible behaviour in protected area communities.
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Alice Chemeli Tallam , Department of Tourism and Tour Operation Management, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Kesses, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Tourism and Tour Operation Management, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Kesses, Eldoret, Kenya
Geoffrey Koome Riungu, Department of Tourism and Tour Operation Management, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Kesses, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Tourism and Tour Operation Management, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Kesses, Eldoret, Kenya
Wendy Chepkemei Rop , Department of Tourism and Tour Operation Management, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Kesses, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Tourism and Tour Operation Management, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900-30100, Kesses, Eldoret, Kenya