Do Payments for Hydrological Services Reduce Poverty and Strengthen Social Capital? An Examination of Household Welfare and Collective Action in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico

Authors

Lindsey R. Nieratka, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Pallab Mozumder

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

David Bray

Third Advisor's Name

Joel Heinen

Keywords

payments for environmental services, community conservation, social capital

Date of Defense

4-1-2011

Abstract

Payments for Environmental Services (PES) is a method of attaching market value to environmental benefits which have typically not been valued in the marketplace. This thesis investigates the impact of the government hydrological services program in two communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. Using interviews, semi structured and household surveys, I investigate the effect the PSAH has had in alleviating poverty and increasing social capital in the communities as well as investigate willingness to accept (WTA) payment for additional PES programs. The PES payments put household incomes above national poverty lines. Social capital improved both within and between communities. WTA for additional PES depends on the use of the land in question. Overall, participation in the PSAH has had a positive impact in both communities.

Identifier

FI11051201

Recommended Citation

Nieratka, Lindsey R., "Do Payments for Hydrological Services Reduce Poverty and Strengthen Social Capital? An Examination of Household Welfare and Collective Action in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 405.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/405