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Disturbance features, coordination and cooperation: an institutional economics analysis of adaptations in the Spanish irrigation sector

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2017

SERGIO VILLAMAYOR-TOMAS
SERGIO VILLAMAYOR-TOMAS*
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
*
*Email: villamayortomas@gmail.com
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Abstract

This paper explores associations between disturbances and cooperative responses in a selection of irrigation associations from Spain. Transaction costs and collective action theories are used to characterize disturbances and responses. Disturbances are characterized by looking at the uncertainty they generate, their frequency, the distance of the transacting partners they affect, and their impact on asset-specific transactions. Responses are assessed based on the collective action tasks they involve and classified into coordination and cooperation responses. A qualitative comparative analysis confirms two pathways that are sufficient for the emergence of cooperation responses. The first path is congruent with transaction costs theory, and points to disturbances that are frequent and asset specific; the second path supports relational theory, and points to disturbances that emerge progressively from within the system. Other patterns include the tendency of irrigation associations to delegate to external entities when disturbances are external and occur frequently; and the adaptation of existing institutions when the disturbances are internal and progressive.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Institutional Economics , Volume 14 , Special Issue 3: Special Issue on Adapting Institutions to Climate Change , June 2018 , pp. 501 - 526
Copyright
Copyright © Millennium Economics Ltd 2017 

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