Participatory water governance between theories and practices: learning from a community-based initiative in India. Issue 3 (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grassini, Laura
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 35:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 404
• Page End: 429
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Participation -- water governance -- India -- community perspective -- collaborative practices -- empowerment; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2017.1354761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

Abstract: Despite increasing convergence on the social learning concept as a theoretical foundation of collaborative practices for water governance, this article shows the pitfalls of its uncritical application as a normative ideal. The discussion is based on the analysis of a community-based initiative for water supply and slum upgrading in India, which is considered a best practice of good governance due to its collaborative approach. A different interpretation of the project is proposed through the analysis of its successes and failures from a community perspective. Finally, a recommendation for context-specific selection of theoretical bases for participatory practices is made.