Abstract

GALINDO-ESCAMILLA, Emmanuel; PALERM-VIQUEIRA, Jacinta; TOVAR-SALINAS, Jorge L.  and  RODARTE-GARCIA, Raúl. Social organization in the administration of a water source: jagüeyes (water tanks). Agrociencia [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.2, pp.233-242. ISSN 2521-9766.

This research had the objectives of identifying and describing the social organization generated by the use and management of the jagüey (water tank) as a water source in rural communities of the northern Apan plains, Hidalgo, México; as well as to determine how this traditional system captures and stores runoff water during and after rainfall. In order to identify and to describe the social organization, Kelly's (1983) and Hunt's (1988) methodological proposals were adapted. These authors state that study of irrigation systems must be done from the standpoint of their technical and social components; besides, it is necessary to consider how, when, and by whom the ever present tasks should be carried out: construction of the system; water distribution or sharing; maintenance; enlargement, and repair; surplus water drainage; and conflict resolution. The conclusion based on nine case studies is that in the region there is a social organization for management of the jagüeyes and, according to Ostrom (1999), the traditional system as well as the stored water, have common pool resource characteristics.

Keywords : Apan plain; common pool resources; irrigation and social organization; rainwater collection system.

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