Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/65870

In rural Japan, the village has traditionally managed common-resources such as ponds, irrigation channels and farm roads. However, the level of participation in the management of these resources has decreased in recent years. The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of farmer participation in the management of irrigation canal in Takasu town, Hokkaido. The results show that the penalties meted out and the rewards bestowed by the WUA (Water User Association) exert a significantly positive effect on participation in irrigation canal maintenance activities. In addition, farmers who intend to expand the scale of their operation tend to participate more actively n these irrigation canal maintenance activities.