Abstract
This study identifies the factors which influence users participation in community-based rural water supply schemes in north Kerala using primary data. To capture the rate of participation, two forms of indices were constructed – one, to measure the attendance in the group meeting and other, for influence in decisions. The relative importance of locality, group and households characteristics that affect participation were analysed using linear regression models. Among the three sets of factors, it was found that household characteristics were the most influential factors. The analysis shows that males were actively participating in the group meetings. Level of education and involvement of households in other local organisations were the other major factors affecting participation