The Socio-Ecological Systems Approach to Research the Integrated Groundwater Management in an Agricultural Dryland in Mexico

Abstract

Strengthening integrated and sustainable water management is one of the most important objectives of 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Mexico’s water policy, especially in drylands where the groundwater is the primary source of water. However, 18% of the total aquifers in the country (653) are overexploited, 5% with presence of saline soils and brackish water and 3% with marine intrusion. In this regard, there are still multiple challenges in facing dryland socio-ecological systems (DSES): land degradation, desertification, climatic variations, population growth, water supply and demand, economic activities and land-use changes, cultural perceptions, water policies and governance and management practices that threaten the availability and quality of groundwater. These aspects affect land livelihood systems and the sustainability of human communities. Based on this, we explore a way to research the integrated groundwater management in Maneadero Valley, an agricultural DSES in Baja California, Mexico. We conducted 52 surveys on farmers with a concession for groundwater supply to gain clear understanding of the current water management and farmers’ participation. We found a need for real involvement from farmers as stakeholders, better knowledge exchange mechanisms and possibilities to integrate local knowledge in groundwater decision-making. Finally, we make recommendations to improve the groundwater management in the agricultural DSES of Maneadero Valley.