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The sustainable management of common pool resources (CPRs) such as water, forest, and community pastoral lands are crucial for the well-being of resource-dependent communities, but they face threats from degradation and overuse (Jodha, 1986; Bai et al., 2008). Despite early skepticism (Hardin, 1968), Ostrom demonstrated that communities could effectively manage CPRs given appropriate institutional conditions (Ostrom, 1990). This study investigates the factors influencing household participation in decentralized natural resource management in India using the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework (Ostrom, 2009) and social exchange theory (Blau, 2017). It explores how user characteristics, resource conditions, and institutional settings affect participation in various management activities, including CPR's physical, maintenance, monitoring, and protection activities.
Method
This study focused on three watersheds (Kadiri, Thoria, Satkosia) selected for their agroecological diversity and established NGO-led natural resource governance programs. A proportional stratified random sampling technique was employed across all revenue villages within the watersheds to ensure representative sampling. This sampling involved stratification based on landholding size, resulting in a sample of 1046 households (N=1046). Data collection included household surveys (with heads of households). Binomial logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of participation in CPR management activities, including physical activities, maintenance, protection, and monitoring efforts. Independent variables encompassed user group characteristics, resource attributes, and institutional arrangements.
Results
The logistic regression analysis revealed that household socio-economic characteristics, resource dependence, and institutional engagement significantly influence community participation in common pool resource (CPR) management activities. Increased fruit collection significantly predicted higher participation in physical activities (Exp(B) = 1.049, p < .001), whereas lack of institutional membership (Exp(B) = 0.319, p < .001) and absence of an MGNREGA (Rural Employment Scheme) job card (Exp(B) = 0.181, p < .001) were associated with reduced participation. Maintenance activities were less likely among households with members in permanent migration (Exp(B) = 0.460, p < .05), and smaller landholdings compared to larger ones showed significantly reduced participation rates. In protection activities, female-headed households participated less (Exp(B) = 0.526, p = 0.007), while those below the poverty line showed greater engagement (Exp(B) = 1.861, p = 0.002). For monitoring activities, participation was significantly higher among Scheduled Tribes (Exp(B) = 1.936, p = 0.037) and correlated positively with higher education levels (Exp(B) = 1.112, p = 0.038). These results highlight the complex interplay of individual, resource, and institutional factors affecting participation in CPR governance.
Conclusions and Implications
The study underscores the need for tailored interventions to enhance community engagement in common pool resource (CPR) management, emphasizing the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities and institutional access. The findings reveal that gender and economic status significantly influence participation, highlighting the necessity for community-driven initiatives that facilitate inclusive decision-making and equitable resource management. Strengthening educational outreach and community awareness about sustainable practices could foster deeper involvement across diverse social groups. Additionally, enhancing institutional frameworks to support equitable participation can help integrate marginalized communities into CPR management, aligning with social equity and empowerment principles.