Showing papers by "Timothy O. Randhir published in 2005"

Watershed based, institutional approach to developing clean water resources

Abstract: Access to clean and sufficient amounts of water is a critical problem in many countries. A watershed approach is vital in understanding pollution pathways affecting water resources and in developing participatory solutions. Such integration of information with participatory approaches can lead to more sustainable solutions than traditional “crisis-to-crisis” management approaches. This study aims at applying a watershed based joint action approach to manage water resources. Since most watersheds have urban and rural sources of pollution and a wide disparity in access to and use of water, alternative solutions need to take an integrated approach through cooperative actions. An institutional model was applied to seven subwatersheds in Honduras to evaluate various sources and effects of water contamination and water shortages. Two specific pathways of water resources degradation were studied (contamination from coffee pulp manufacturing and urban nonpoint sources) to develop alternative solutions that mitigate downstream impacts of access to clean water. A locally driven joint mechanism to reuse coffee pulp in farming systems is proposed. Such an institutional solution can maximize benefits to both farms and the coffee pulp industry. A combination of education and investment in sanitary facilities in urbanizing areas is proposed to minimize urban sources of water contamination.

Watershed management, structural characteristics, information processing, and cooperative strategies in conservation organizations

Abstract: This study focuses on evaluating organizational characteristics, the role of watershed-based planning, biodiversity protection efforts, and cooperative strategies in conservation organizations using a mail-out survey. The goal is to get more insights into interrelationships between variables and to summarize the interrelationships for organizational improvement and research. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (path analysis) are used. There existed paths of influence among structural variables of an organization. Cooperation, volunteerism, publicity, leadership, and better funding opportunities were identified as key factors important for the success of an organization. Administrative leadership, funding, information management, and collaboration were identified as four elements of an organizational framework that were necessary for assessment, reorganization, and design of new organizations. There exists opportunities for more interaction with public and for coordination of efforts at a watershed scale. Education and incentive policies are suggested to improve conservation organizations.