The Fifth Pathway to Forest Transition in the Andes: Modeling Factors That Influence Smallholder Tree Planting in Mocoties, Venezuela

Smallholder tree planting is a pathway recognized within Forest Transition Theory (FTT), but its contributing factors are not fully explored at the household level. This study examines the effect of socio-economic and biophysical characteristics, access to extension services, land tenure, labour availability, and attitudes toward tree cover on smallholder planting and willingness to plant for environmental and economic purposes at the household level.;Data was collected from 146 households in Mocoties, Merida, Venezuela. Logistic models revealed that area of property, area of productive land, presence of natural sources of water, gender of respondent, number of generations that have farmed the property, income, percent income from farming activities, land title, harvest rights, labour availability and attitudes toward tree cover have significant influence on smallholder's tree planting and willingness to plant. Future research needs to focus on factors that affect environmentally motivated smallholder tree planting where fewer significant variables were found.