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Methods for Studying Collective Action in Rural Development

Author

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  • Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela
  • di Gregorio, Monica
  • McCarthy, Nancy

Abstract

With renewed recognition of the importance of collective action in many aspects of agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development programs in developing countries, there is a need for research on the factors that affect its emergence, as well as its performance. Yet because of its dynamic nature, collective action is difficult to measure and study. This article discusses ways of conceptualizing collective action to provide researchers from various disciplines with a basic framework for understanding and studying collective action. It highlights specific features of collective action that are relevant to identify best practice methodological approaches and research techniques. The main part of the paper then describes how collective action can be operationalized, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of different methods, as well as discussing complementarities among methods. This discussion provides an overview on the use of qualitative, quantitative, experimental, and action research methods for studying collective action.

Suggested Citation

  • Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela & di Gregorio, Monica & McCarthy, Nancy, 2004. "Methods for Studying Collective Action in Rural Development," CAPRi Working Papers 50062, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:capriw:50062
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.50062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Catacutan, Delia & Bertomeu, Manuel & Arbes, Lyndon & Duque, Caroline & Butra, Novie, 2008. "Fluctuating Fortunes of a Collective Enterprise: The Case of the Agroforestry Tree Seeds Association of Lantapan (ATSAL) in the Philippines," CAPRi Working Papers 44349, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Komarudin, Heru & Siagian, Yuliana L., 2007. "Linking Collective Action to Non-Timber Forest Product Market for Improved Local Livelihoods: Challenges and Opportunities," CAPRi Working Papers 44346, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    4. Barham, James & Chitemi, Clarence, 2008. "Collective Action Initiatives to Improve Marketing Performance: Lessons from Farmer Groups in Tanzania," CAPRi Working Papers 44347, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    5. Mwangi, Esther & Markelova, Helen, 2008. "Collective Action and Property Rights for Poverty Reduction: A Review of Methods and Approaches," CAPRi Working Papers 44355, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    6. Davis, Peter & Haque, Rafiqul & Hasin, Dilara & Aziz, Md. Abdul & Begum, Anowara, 2009. "EVERYDAY FORMS OF COLLECTIVE ACTION IN BANGLADESH: Learning from Fifteen Cases," CAPRi Working Papers 50894, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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