Irrigation water conflicts in San Juan: an analysis from a political ecology perspective and the experience of irrigators

Abstract

“Watering is not pleasant,” says Yanina as she recalls the arduous task of monitoring the floodgate when it is her turn to receive water—sometimes at 3 a.m. This article aims, on the one hand, to analyze irrigation-related conflicts in San Juan, a province in arid western Argentina from a qualitative and political ecology perspective, and, on the other, to suggest public policy guidelines that could help mitigate such conflicts.

This article presents evidence of practices that, although illegal, have become normalized among users. These practices are analyzed through power relations within the framework of political ecology, which views water as a contested public good. The main contribution is the systematization of localized conflicts, shaped by specific territorial dynamics and the diverse actors involved (agricultural irrigators, domestic water users, government entities, among others).

Primary data sources include specialized academic literature, official reports, and interviews with key informants. Through this case study, the article seeks to contribute to the improvement of water management and distribution systems, promoting a more equitable allocation.