Crafting Institutions for Self-Governing Irrigation Systems

by Elinor Ostrom

Many large-scale irrigation projects established in developing countries have failed - despite huge inputs of foreign aid - because the institutions for opening and maintaining the projects proved inadequate. Ostrom counsels planners to look beyond a narrow concern with engineering and to let irrigation consumers involve themselves in the design, operation, and maintenance of water-supply systems.

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1992

About the author

Elinor Ostrom won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Economics.

Reviews

[Craig Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about a unique topic for me, "Self Governed Irrigation Systems". Despite its obscure topic, it was helpful because it provided a perspective that drove home the value and importance of instilling ownership in processes and outcomes for users. As noted multiple times in the text, benefits must exceed the costs (financial and otherwise) if you want engaged users. The book also drove home the points that are also promoted and outlined by quality management experts, such as Dr. Edwards Deming, that those closest to the process are the ones who best understand it and can improve it. As Elinor Ostrom documents, when the system's users manage, control, and maintain the system - the system does best. She, therefore, provides strategies to empower users to manage these systems.

Although she did not use the word "ownership", it seems that was what she promoted with the principles espoused in this helpful book. Once again, the book provided a practical perspective that led to valuable insights about engaging participants to develop strategies that produce better outcomes.