This dissertation research project will study water allocation and field productivity in irrigated agricultural fields in North Yemen. The project will examine the social and ecological system of the irrigated agriculture in order to evaluate the cultural rule that all users of the water system should be allocated equal shares of water. This research is important because the connection between general cultural rules promising fair allocation and actual (usually unequal) patterns of distribution of valuable resources is a key issue in all complex societies. Information on traditional systems of management of this problem will be useful to other societies in suggesting ways to head off or resolve potential problems.
