Cooperation in common property resource management: a group engagement approach

Abstract

This study explored motivational cooperative behaviour types as a communal resource in a rural Zimbabwean setting. Using the group engagement model, the study examined motivational cooperative behaviour types in managing in managing water resources. Thirty community residents of Mhondoro-Ngezi District in Zimbabwe participated in the study (female = 13, community leaders = 10). Data were collected through one-on-one interviews. Thematic analysis revealed internal motivations of social altruism in discretionary cooperative behaviours of water conservation and external motivations of sanctions for compliance with customary regulations stipulating use of water sources. Discretionary cooperative behaviours of water conservation were characterised by individual willingness to comply with myths regarding water usage. External motivations of sanctions for compliance with customary regulations were about collective community activities. Motivations for managing a scarce community resource prioritised fair use, access, and sustenance for collective benefit. These findings suggest that voluntariness in cooperation in common property resource management is important for the sustainable use of scarce resources for consideration in community implementation of regulations.