Households’ Willingness to Contribute to Irrigation Infrastructure in Rural China: The Role of Lineage and Outmigration

Abstract

Rural areas worldwide are witnessing an increase in outmigration, which has led to an impact on irrigation infrastructure management. In many cases, governments in transition economies find it difficult to support small-scale irrigation infrastructure programs. This research aims to examine the extent to which the recent “lineage revival” in China to increase the importance of lineage networks can reduce the negative effects of outmigration in rural communities. Analyzing a rural community in Sichuan Province, the findings reveal that while there is no significant effect of outmigration on respondents’ willingness to contribute toward irrigation infrastructure, and while lineage networks can enhance this willingness, such networks also reduce participation if non-lineage members are among the beneficiaries. Finally, the study provides an understanding of how informal lineage networks may facilitate contribution to irrigation infrastructure.