A Global Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Landowners' Participation in Forest Carbon Markets

ABSTRACT

Forest carbon markets contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and national mitigation plans. Identifying the factors associated with landowner participation in forest carbon projects is essential for effective project design. We conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to synthesise participation factors, determine mean effect sizes, and assess between‐study heterogeneity and publication quality. Out of the 61 eligible studies identified from 1995 to 2026, 48 used quantitative methods, with two‐thirds conducted in high‐income countries. The results suggest that payment incentives, carbon‐related initiative familiarity, climate beliefs, education, age, and landholdings influenced participation. Heterogeneity in effect sizes was found across research contexts and methodological approaches. We provide five policy and project implementation/participation recommendations: (i) foster stakeholder engagement and trust‐building to support long‐term participation; (ii) enhance program design and transparency; (iii) improve payment design and benefit‐sharing mechanisms to reflect landowners' preferences; (iv) provide technical support and risk management; and (v) reduce barriers faced by small landholders.