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Formal and Informal Markets for Water: Institutions, Performance, and Constraints

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  • Easter, K William
  • Rosegrant, Mark W
  • Dinar, Ariel

Abstract

Water markets -- either formal or informal -- can be an efficient method for reallocating scarce water supplies. At the same time certain constraints can raise the transaction costs of trading water. This paper reviews the conditions necessary to establish successful water markets, identifies potential problems, and offers mitigating strategies. It also uses examples of several informal and formal water markets already in operation to illustrate these problems and the solutions to them. Copyright 1999 by Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Easter, K William & Rosegrant, Mark W & Dinar, Ariel, 1999. "Formal and Informal Markets for Water: Institutions, Performance, and Constraints," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 14(1), pages 99-116, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:wbrobs:v:14:y:1999:i:1:p:99-116
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Thobani, Mateen, 1997. "Formal Water Markets: Why, When, and How to Introduce Tradable Water Rights," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 12(2), pages 161-179, August.
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    7. Hearne, Robert R. & William Easter, K., 1997. "The economic and financial gains from water markets in Chile," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 15(3), pages 187-199, January.
    8. Rosegrant, Mark W. & Binswanger, Hans P., 1994. "Markets in tradable water rights: Potential for efficiency gains in developing country water resource allocation," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(11), pages 1613-1625, November.
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