Processes of Institutional Change and Factors Influencing Collective Action in Local Water Resources Governance in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia

Abstract

In this chapter, processes of institutional change and factors influencing collective action for local common pool water resources governance in regions of the Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia were studied so as to understand and positively influence sustainable resources management. The study used qualitative case study methods. The results indicate that processes of institutional change are affected by characteristics of the actors involved. Actors with better bargaining power control institutional change in their favor. In addition to this, the opportunistic behavior of some actors leads to loss of trust among farmers which, in turn, leads to disintegrating governance structures. With regard to collective action, field evidences indicated that availability of exit options, inequality in farmland holdings, uncertainty, bargaining power asymmetry, and government-aid programs undermine the cooperative behavior of farmers. On the other hand, rich social capital, good leadership, and a strong link between formal and informal governance structures foster cooperation among farmers for local common pool resources governance.