Managing common property: Irrigation in India and the Philippines

by Nirmal Sengupta

In this important book, the author establishes that farmers' participation in irrigation works proves both feasible in practical terms and beneficial wherever applied. Specifically, he traces the historical origins and present status of irrigation management policies in India and the Philippines. Sengupta discusses the fallacies of the "tragedy of the common" argument and posits current game theoretic findings against the argument. He develops his theoretical model through a formal presentation of a general irrigation situation source. The theoretical results are supported by thirteen intensive case studies drawn from India and the Philippines which represent various types of irrigation systems--traditional or modern, canal or communal. Sengupta further uses the theoretical results and empirical findings to outline and emphasize the support measures necessary for the formation and improvement of water users' associations. This significant volume deals with an important common property situation, which provides wide relevance for the management of any other common property resource. The comparative nature of the study also allows for a wider application of the author's findings. This book will be of great interest to management experts, agricultural economists, public administrators, and policy makers.

283 pages, Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 1991