River basin game

The University of Twente developed a computer-supported classroom game that illustrates various phenomena that take place when farmers compete over water. With whatever group you play, it’s always fun and a great learning experience. 

In this game, participants are farmers who try to optimise their benefits in farming by irrigating their fields. They have enough fertile land; water is the limiting factor. The game realistically illustrates various phenomena that take place when people use water in a river basin. Participants will learn about ‘the tragedy of the commons’, about cooperation, free-rider behaviour and upstream-downstream effects.

The game can be played at different levels, from secondary school and university level up to the professional level; the facilitator will have to adjust explanations and feedback according to the level of the participants. With whatever group you play, it’s always fun and a great learning experience.