Political Economy of Watershed Management: Policies, Institutions, Implementation and Livelihoods

Over the decades, watershed development in India has transformed from a purely soil and water conservation technology to a comprehensive rural development program. This book, in the backdrop of Andhra Pradesh (one of India's largest states) , looks at the watershed development program in a historical perspective and covers a number of important issues, such as policy, implementation, livelihood impact, sustainability, and political economy. At the policy level, the book identifies some of the gaps, such as property rights and the linkages between property rights and collective action. The book emphasizes that the core philosophy of the policy makers dealing with natural resources has not changed despite numerous changes at the macro level. The analysis brings out the fact that watershed management is a necessary condition to sustain India's rural livelihoods in a wider context. However, it holds the potential for enhanced livelihood security, even in the given geo-climatic conditions where watersheds cannot bring direct irrigation benefits on a large scale. The institutional framework stresses the importance of policy and political environments for institutional innovation and sustainability.