| Title | The contested role of heterogeneity in collective action: some evidence from community forestry in Nepal |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2001 |
| Authors | Varughese G, and Ostrom E |
| Journal | World Development (Oxford) |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pagination | 747-765 |
| ISBN Number | 0305-750X |
| Abstract | The role of heterogeneity (the differences among resource users) in affecting the likelihood of collective action is strongly debated in the theoretical literature. We present evidence from a study of 18 forest user groups in Nepal. Heterogeneity is not a strong predictor of the level of collective activity. Rather, heterogeneity is a challenge that can be overcome by good institutional design when the interests of those controlling collective-choice mechanisms are benefited by investing time and effort to craft better rules. |