Watershed-based Water Governance: Role of Actors in Santa Cruz Watershed, Laguna, Philippines
Abstract
Water governance at the micro watershed scale has not been popularly studied. However, as population increases and urbanization sets in, water conflicts may arise due to increased competition in use. This paper examines the various water governance roles of state and non-state actors within the watershed. While users make decisions and take actions that define the processes by which water is accessed and controlled, discussion and analysis of the interactions of key actor groups: households, farmers, enterprise, and local government were framed from the understanding of resources, mechanisms of access, and outcome. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews with specific actor groups (state and non-state) were conducted in the upstream and downstream villages of the Santa Cruz Watershed (SCW), Laguna, Philippines to generate the needed data. Results suggest that both state and non-state actors positioned themselves to support their respective interests. In times of water shortage, local governments at the village and the municipal levels coordinated and negotiated among themselves for access to water sources. The study concludes that within the watershed, water governance is polycentric and creates spaces for mutual cooperation among state and non-state actors, especially during times of water scarcity. The authors recommend, among others, that in areas where there are conflicts in water access and use, a polycentric approach can be considered to include both customary and formal rules in the water governance.
