Trust and communication: Mechanisms for increasing farmers' participation in water quality trading

Hanna L. Breetz, Karen Fisher-Vanden, Hannah Jacobs, Claire Schary

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

Trust and communication barriers have contributed significantly to the lethargic performance of many point-nonpoint source water quality trading programs - farmers are often reluctant to participate despite direct financial incentives - yet the literature lacks a comprehensive investigation of how the social context affects trading outcomes. We draw on social embeddedness theory to analyze three mechanisms of communicating with farmers and conduct a case study analysis of 12 water quality trading programs. We find that employing trustworthy third parties or embedded ties may reduce farmers' reluctance to participate, although the most effective mechanism ultimately depends on local conditions and program objectives.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)170-190
Number of pages21
JournalLand Economics
Volume81
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Economics and Econometrics

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