Common-pool resources-a challenge for local governance: Experimental research in eight villages in the Mekong Delta of Cambodia and Vietnam

We use field experiments to study underlying strategic actions Cambodian and Vietnamese natural resource users take in regard to voluntary contribution to a public good and appropriation of common-pool resources. Two experimental games were implemented to investigate the importance of communication, leadership and monitoring on resource users' strategies in regard to co-operative natural resource use. This paper presents findings regarding cooperation levels of players in eight villages in Cambodia and Vietnam. We compare results between the countries, draw conclusions from the experimental outcomes, and make suggestions for further research.