Structural and institutional arrangements impacting collective actions in WUAs of West Bengal, India. Issue 3 (4th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De, Indranil; Chattopadhyay, Soumyadip; Nathan, Hippu Salk Kristle; Mishra, Prabhat; Parey, Akhilesh; Dutta, Subhasish
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 39:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 433
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04
• Subjects: Minor irrigation -- water-user association -- collective action -- transparency -- democratic decision-making -- West Bengal; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2022.2041407
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study provides empirical evidence of major debates in collective action theory concerning resource and member heterogeneity by conducting a survey on 63 randomly selected water-user associations promoted by the West Bengal state government of India. The functioning and governance of these institutions were evaluated by efficiency in resource mobilization (collection of membership fees), members' perception of transparency and democratic decision-making, and dependency on third-party involvement in the future. The study finds that a larger command area, larger proportion of smaller farmers, optimum membership fee, frequent general body meetings, certain documentation, and power structure improve the functioning and governance indicators.