Measuring the potential for self-governance: An approach for the management of the common-pool resources

Abstract

Self-governance can be a suitable instrument for the management of a common pool resource (CPR). Under self-governance, individuals may organize themselves for the use of a CPR to deal with problems derived from the free access like overexploitation and low profits. Unlike most of previous research, which are ex-post in nature, this research explores feasibility and desirability of carrying out an ex-ante assessment of the potential for self-governance to manage a CPR. Taking a set of theoretical conditions, this research proposes to assess the CPR users´ perception on the adoption of self-governance. It represents a step toward understanding a priori whether self-governance would be feasible or not. As an ex-ante assessment, it is hoped to contribute in the solution to environmental degradation and poverty conditions associated with the CPR use, and overall, it may be useful to improve the management of the CPR.