A social-ecological systems analysis of the governance of alluvial aquifers in the Brazilian semi-arid region: the case of Sumé.

Abstract

Small and shallow alluvial aquifers in arid and semi-arid regions are a strategic source of water that has been largely used for irrigation and livestock feeding. Geological settings and the small scale of these aquifers suggest the need for governance at the local level, but research supporting its development is still scarce. A case of alluvial aquifers exploited by smallholder farmers located in the Brazilian semi-arid region is analysed under the perspective of common pool resources (CPR) and social-ecological systems (SES). The thesis investigated a large database to build knowledge of water table behaviour, groundwater use, and stakeholders’ interaction. With this information, the SES Framework was applied to analyse the SES in light of Ostrom’s principles for sustainable CPR management to answer the questions: (1) can the governance arrangements support sustainable common pool resource management of the alluvial aquifers? (2) what opportunities are there to make the management of the aquifer more sustainable through community-based governance? (3) can Ostrom’s design principles lead the transition to more sustainable governance of alluvial aquifers? Despite a water policy aiming for decentralisation and participatory governance, gaps in its implementation were identified. Considering the challenges imposed by the aquifer characteristics to impact efficient groundwater exploitation, equity in water distribution and conservation of the CPR, the analysis reveals opportunities to improve CPR management by supporting the community to increase participation in the governance of the aquifer in coordination with existing policies. Collective water permits and community monitoring are among the suggestions that could empower community progress towards more sustainable governance of the aquifer. Based on this discussion, a protocol for supporting the implementation of social and technological strategies was synthesised, aiming to provide practical guidance to policymakers.