Why put that Seedling in the Ground - A Case Study of the TIST Tree Planting Program in Tamil Nadu India

Abstract: This study examines a reforestation program, TIST (The International Small Group and Tree Planting Program), and its effects on farmer's tree planting behavior. TIST is funded by selling carbon credits on the Voluntary Carbon Market and derive the carbon credits from farmers who plant trees in their own lands. In return TIST provides them with education on tree planting, free seedlings, a portion of the sales and organize farmers into small groups for enabling knowledge exchange. The study looks at what factors influenced the farmers into planting trees and what role the TIST program played in this decision. The main finding is that among the TIST benefits free seedlings, carbon payments and assistance in watering were determining factors. Other influential Non-TIST factors were increased labor costs and decreased rainfall, which affected agricultural profitability.