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Implementing water users’ association in Shiyang River Basin, China: a review from local’s perspective

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  • Haiyan Yu

    (University of Oxford)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effectiveness of three WUAs in the arid and semi-arid regions of northwest China, drawing upon empirical evidence collected through mixed methodologies. Results show significant discrepancies between understanding, motives and experiences regarding WUAs among different water stakeholders. These discrepancies are affected by a complex interaction of a variety of factors, including geographical locations, socio-economic and political contexts, personal experiences, knowledge gaps, incentives and value systems rather than ordinary socio-demographic variables. It has also shown that in a traditionally clientelistic society such as China social networks and the pattern of relations between different levels (either cooperative or exploitative) can be more important in participatory irrigation management than the existence of formal institutions or regulation. Furthermore, the roles of social networks on water governance are not necessarily positive, including collective exploitation, corruption especially rent-seeking and collusion. It concludes that for WUAs to be effective, they have to be context specific better understanding and strategic uses of social networks with shared water motives and goals among different stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Haiyan Yu, 2018. "Implementing water users’ association in Shiyang River Basin, China: a review from local’s perspective," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 809-824, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:20:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s10668-017-9911-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-017-9911-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Agarwal, Bina, 2001. "Participatory Exclusions, Community Forestry, and Gender: An Analysis for South Asia and a Conceptual Framework," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 29(10), pages 1623-1648, October.
    2. Haiyan Yu & Mike Edmunds & Anna Lora-Wainwright & Dave Thomas, 2014. "From principles to localized implementation: villagers' experiences of IWRM in the Shiyang River basin, Northwest China," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(3), pages 588-604, September.
    3. Yu, Haiyan Helen & Edmunds, Mike & Lora-Wainwright, Anna & Thomas, David, 2016. "Governance of the irrigation commons under integrated water resources management – A comparative study in contemporary rural China," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(P1), pages 65-74.
    4. Wang, J. & Xu, Z. & Huang, J. & Rozelle, S. & Hussain, Intizar & Biltonen, Eric, 2004. "Water management reforms in the Yellow River Basin: implications for water savings, farm incomes and poverty," IWMI Research Reports H036162, International Water Management Institute.
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