Publication
Title
Equity-efficiency trade-offs in irrigation water sharing : evidence from a field lab in rural Tanzania
Author
Abstract
This article studies how users of scarce common water resources deal with equity-efficiency trade-offs. For this purpose, we conduct a field lab experiment in Tanzania that simulates the distribution of irrigation water between upstream and downstream users. We find a strong preference for equal sharing even if this comes with large foregone efficiency gains. However, we also find indications that efficiency considerations are taken into account. (Selfish) deviations from equal sharing are more likely implemented when they are efficiency-enhancing. Finally, we detect a tendency to alternate between altruistic and selfish sharing, which reconciles equity and efficiency considerations.
Language
English
Source (journal)
World development. - Oxford
Publication
Oxford : 2012
ISSN
0305-750X
DOI
10.1016/J.WORLDDEV.2012.05.026
Volume/pages
40 :12 (2012) , p. 2537-2551
ISI
000312286200013
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 30.10.2015
Last edited 04.03.2024
To cite this reference