Institutional Design Perspective, Capacity Constraints and Participatory Irrigation Management in South Asia

For many decades, participatory approaches, with their emphasis on farmer-centred management, have been presented as panaceas for overcoming weaknesses in irrigation systems. Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) has assumed such a high status that it is regularly mandated by donors sponsoring irrigation upgrades in poor countries. However, the success of PIM is mixed, and economic analysis can help explain why PIM might work in some settings and not in others. This Special Issue focusses on PIM and aims to scrutinise its usefulness, particularly in South Asia. The focus on South Asian irrigation is driven by the reality that smallholder agriculture is destined to be the mainstay for this most populous region, at least in the medium term, and finding solutions to raise agricultural productivity is a high priority. The Special Issue comprises nine papers employing several strands of economics, including New Institutional Economics, Game Theory, and Behavioural Economics. A synopsis of each paper is provided in this editorial.

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From Sharing the Burden of Scarcity to Markets: Ill-Fitting Water Property Rights and the Pressure of Economic Transition in South Asia

Water ◽

10.3390/w11061294 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1294 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Crase ◽

Cooper ◽

Burton

Keyword(s):

Property Rights ◽

South Asia ◽

Economic Transition ◽

Irrigation Management ◽

Developed Economies ◽

Participatory Irrigation Management ◽

Water Property ◽

Countries In Transition ◽

The Relationship

In this paper, we consider the process of transition from an equitable distribution of water to support semi-subsistence outcomes to market-oriented agriculture. We examine the stresses placed on water institutions as farmers adjust production to become more market-oriented and consider the relationship between farmers and irrigation officials under different scenarios. The paper is used to highlight some of the challenges pertaining to property rights but also considers the dangers of simply transposing solutions from full-market agriculture in developed economies to developing nations and countries in transition. In this context the role of Participatory Irrigation Management is scrutinized. We argue that this approach can potentially accommodate greater flexibility and market orientation in agriculture but ultimately the beneficiary-benefactor relationship between irrigation officials and farmers in parts of South Asia needs to be seriously challenged.

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Social Science Knowledge and Economic Development: An Institutional Design Perspective

American Journal of Agricultural Economics ◽

10.1111/j.1467-8276.2008.01160_3.x ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 90 (2) ◽

pp. 574-576

Author(s):

Rohini Somanathan

Keyword(s):

Economic Development ◽

Social Science ◽

Institutional Design ◽

Science Knowledge ◽

Social Science Knowledge ◽

Design Perspective

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Bonding and bridging social capital towards collective action in participatory irrigation management. Evidence in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand

International Journal of Social Economics ◽

10.1108/ijse-05-2021-0273 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Christopher Llones ◽

Panya Mankeb ◽

Unggoon Wongtragoon ◽

Suneeporn Suwanmaneepong

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Resource Management ◽

Collective Action ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Irrigation Management ◽

Shared Resource ◽

Content Type ◽

Bridging Social Capital ◽

Participatory Irrigation Management ◽

Bonding And Bridging

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of social capital with bonding and bridging distinction in promoting higher participation in collective action in participatory irrigation management.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 304 farmers was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. A focus group discussion was also carried out with randomly selected water users, leaders and irrigation officers. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test the hypothesised relationship of bonding and bridging social capital towards collective action.FindingsThe findings show that social capital has a significant direct effect on collective action and an indirect effect on joint irrigation management's perceived performance through collective action (mediator). It implies the need to complement the participatory irrigation management programme with an understanding of the social aspects for a higher farmer's participation over the shared resource.Originality/valueThe paper emphasises social capital's role in facilitating a real participatory engagement in shared resource management. Also, it is the first scholarly work linking social capital with bonding and bridging distinction towards collective action in a joint resource management context.

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