Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

6-2015

Abstract

Despite a history of participatory policies, Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has had little success in developing water user organisations (WUOs) capable of facilitating cooperation between farmers and the irrigation agency. Even so, pockets of participation exist. What can explain these rare successes? What policy lessons can they provide? Comparing nine WUOs, I identify factors that contribute to the emergence of relatively successful groups. Most importantly, I show that successful WUOs are contingent on the actions of local irrigation officials. These findings emphasise the important role of street-level bureaucrats in implementing participatory policies. The incentive structures provided by the RID, though, deter most officials from sincerely collaborating and cooperating with farmers. Thus experts and policy-makers interested in promoting participatory resource management should focus more attention on shaping incentives for local officials to engage meaningfully with farmers.

Keywords

Participatory Resource Management, Irrigation, Street-level Bureaucrats, Public Participation, Thailand

Discipline

Asian Studies | Political Science | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Research Areas

Political Science

Publication

Water Alternatives

Volume

8

Issue

2

First Page

193

Last Page

214

ISSN

1965-0175

Publisher

Water Alternatives Association

Additional URL

https://www.water-alternatives.org/index.php/alldoc/articles/vol8/v8issue2/287-a8-2-10

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