On the Voluntary Approach to Resolving Rural Conflict

The so-called voluntary approach to resolving rural conflict seldom operates without some form of restraint on the farmer's freedom to act. This paper is an attempt to predict and compare the outcomes produced by voluntary arrangements embodying differing degrees of compulsion. It is suggested that outcomes favourable to the conservation authority would be found in about 40% of cases under wholly voluntary arrangements, in about 70% under grant forfeiture, and in about 90% with enforced delay and with control. Interestingly, the attitude of the conservation authority, both in general and in relation to particular cases, seems to have little impact on the extent to which it secures outcomes favourable to itself. Farmer attitudes are, however, important in determining outcomes. Their effect is greater under arrangements that give the conservation authority less control; and the farmers' concern to proceed with particular proposals has a greater effect on outcomes than does their general attitude to the authority.