Abstract
This paper describes the situation of water resources in Mexico in terms of scarcity, inequality and pollution, and explains how water management has changed in the country through time, responding to international best practices and to intentions to overcome difficulties. The paper tries to show that despite recent policy efforts implemented in order to improve the functioning of water management units (basins), there are still many difficulties facing authorities. It highlights the potential role of prices since they can change incentives, and their absence promotes overuse and encourages inequalities. It also acknowledges that infrastructure in the country is still deficient, especially in terms of irrigation infrastructure for agriculture. After explaining how authorities have tried to establish mechanisms to deal with water management problems, the paper concludes saying that water management problems in Mexico could be reduced through an integrated management system, where all stakeholders are given standing yet where social benefits prevail over individual interests.
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Notes
- 1.
Geometric average obtained from FAO’s Aquastat data.
- 2.
CONAGUA states an extraction of 11.2 km3. This number was divided by the population in December, 2008, as stated by the organization.
- 3.
Moreover, the authors show that this subsidy mainly benefits a reduced group of producers. While more than 68 thousand producers receive a subsidy of 20,000 pesos, 33 producers receive 500,000 pesos.
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Meza González, L., Guevara Sanginés, A., Pulido, J.A.L. (2013). Some Considerations Regarding Water Management in Mexico: Towards an Integrated Management System. In: Schwabe, K., Albiac, J., Connor, J., Hassan, R., Meza González, L. (eds) Drought in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6636-5_22
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