This study was undertaken to investigate factors leading to the success of collective action,  to look into the reasons leading to inactivity on the part of neighbouring villages, and its impact on the surrounding forest. Five sample-villages, two that had succeeded, two that had failed and one that had partially succeeded in collective action, were selected for the study. The criterion for assessing 'success' or 'failure' in this study was 'state of forest' within the village boundaries.

The study concludes that ‘local leadership' and ‘low discount rate' are two attributes that are essential for collective action. Additionally, coordination between formal and informal institutions is essential for sustainable management of common pool resources (CPRs).

Project funding: Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis, IFRI research program, Indiana University, Bloomington, U.S.A.

Project Output: Pilot study report, 2001 © SHODH

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