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A multi-method approach to study robustness of social–ecological systems: the case of small-scale irrigation systems

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  • JANSSEN, MARCO A.
  • ANDERIES, JOHN M.

Abstract

Elinor Ostrom was a leader in using multiple methods to perform institutional analysis. In this paper, we discuss how a multi-method approach she pioneered may be used to study the robustness of social–ecological systems. We synthesize lessons learned from a series of studies on small-scale irrigation systems in which we use case-study analysis, experimental methods in laboratory and field settings, and mathematical models. The accumulated insights show the importance of creating institutional arrangements that fit the human ecology within the biophysical constraints of the system. The examples of work based on multiple methods approaches presented here highlight several lessons. For example, experimental work helps us better understand the details of how the ability to maintain trust relationships, low levels of inequality, and low transaction costs of coordination are critical for success. Likewise, the integration of case-study analysis and modeling helps us better understand how systems that can leverage biophysical characteristics to help address challenges of monitoring, sanctioning, and coordination may be able to increase their chances of success.

Suggested Citation

  • Janssen, Marco A. & Anderies, John M., 2013. "A multi-method approach to study robustness of social–ecological systems: the case of small-scale irrigation systems," Journal of Institutional Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(4), pages 427-447, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jinsec:v:9:y:2013:i:04:p:427-447_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Xuening Fang & Bingbing Zhou & Xingyue Tu & Qun Ma & Jianguo Wu, 2018. "“What Kind of a Science is Sustainability Science?” An Evidence-Based Reexamination," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Meemken, Eva-Marie & Veettil, Prakashan Chellattan & Qaim, Matin, 2017. "Toward Improving the Design of Sustainability Standards—A Gendered Analysis of Farmers’ Preferences," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 285-298.
    3. Kangile, Rajabu Joseph, 2015. "Efficiency In Production By Smallholder Rice Farmers Under Cooperative Irrigation Schemes In Pwani And Morogoro Regions, Tanzania," Research Theses 265681, Collaborative Masters Program in Agricultural and Applied Economics.
    4. Shin, Hoon C. & Vallury, Sechindra & Abbott, Joshua K. & Anderies, John M. & Yu, David J., 2022. "Understanding the effects of institutional diversity on irrigation systems dynamics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    5. Su, Yiqing & Araral, Eduardo & Wang, Yahua, 2020. "The effects of farmland use rights trading and labor outmigration on the governance of the irrigation commons: Evidence from China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    6. David C. Lane & Özge Pala & Yaman Barlas & Birgit Kopainsky & Robert Huber & Matteo Pedercini, 2015. "Food Provision and Environmental Goals in the Swiss Agri-Food System: System Dynamics and the Social-ecological Systems Framework," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(4), pages 414-432, July.
    7. Wahyudin, Yudi & Kusumastanto, Tridoyo & Adrianto, Luky & Wardiatno, Yusli, 2018. "A Social Ecological System of Recreational Fishing in the Seagrass Meadow Conservation Area on the East Coast of Bintan Island, Indonesia," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 22-35.
    8. Liangzhen Zang & Yahua Wang & Yiqing Su, 2021. "Does Farmland Scale Management Promote Rural Collective Action? An Empirical Study of Canal Irrigation Systems in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-25, November.
    9. Ma’Mun, Sitti Rahma & Loch, Adam & Young, Michael D., 2021. "Sustainable irrigation in Indonesia: A case study of Southeast Sulawesi Province," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    10. Shin, Hoon C. & Yu, David J. & Park, Samuel & Anderies, John M. & Abbott, Joshua K. & Janssen, Marco A. & Ahn, T.K., 2020. "How do resource mobility and group size affect institutional arrangements for rule enforcement? A qualitative comparative analysis of fishing groups in South Korea," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    11. Joseph Kangile, Rajabu, 2015. "Efficiency in Production By Smallholder Rice Farmers Under Cooperative Irrigation Schemes in Pwani and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania," Research Theses 243447, Collaborative Masters Program in Agricultural and Applied Economics.
    12. Wang, Yahua & Huan, Meili, 2023. "The effects of socialized agricultural services on rural collective action in the irrigation commons: Evidence from China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    13. Paul Dragos Aligica & Vlad Tarko, 2014. "Institutional Resilience and Economic Systems: Lessons from Elinor Ostrom’s Work," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 56(1), pages 52-76, March.
    14. Salter, Alexander & Tarko, Vlad, 2017. "Governing the Financial System: A Theory of Financial Resilience," Working Papers 06954, George Mason University, Mercatus Center.
    15. Meed Mbidzo & Helen Newing & Jessica P. R. Thorn, 2021. "Can Nationally Prescribed Institutional Arrangements Enable Community-Based Conservation? An Analysis of Conservancies and Community Forests in the Zambezi Region of Namibia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, September.
    16. Su, Yiqing & Chen, Xiaohan & Li, Yanyan & Wang, Yahua, 2024. "The robustness mechanism of the rural social-ecological system in response to the impact of urbanization——Evidence from irrigation commons in China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).

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