Conflict, cooperation, and collective action. Land use, water rights, and water scarcity in Manupali watershed, southern Philippines

Poor land use and unsustainable practice are degrading
watersheds and affecting water availability. However,
multiple property rights regimes and institutions
responsible for managing critical watershed resources
leads to competition for water and conflict among the
involved institutions and users.
Population growth and economic development have
resulted in increased water demand for domestic,
agricultural and industrial uses, with agriculture as the
highest water consumer of up to 90 percent, particularly
for irrigation to produce more food, the Pacific Institute
reported in 2009. How is it possible then to produce
more food and ensure functional industries with less
water? Studies say that many areas around the globe
have already reached their optimum or “peak water”
capacities to absorb the consequences of excessive
water use.