Water governance and decentralization in Chile: municipal perceptions of drought in the Coquimbo Region
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Abstract
Drought and water scarcity are distinct but interrelated phenomena with profound impacts on rural areas. While drought is a response to meteorological conditions, scarcity depends on institutional decisions regarding water use. In Chile, the Coquimbo Region is an emblematic case of prolonged water crisis, where the centralization of the water model limits local response capacity. This study analyzes the perceptions, beliefs, and opinions of mayors in the Coquimbo Region on water governance in contexts of drought and scarcity, with the aim of identifying the scope for municipal action. A qualitative study was developed based on semi-structured interviews with mayors in the region. The analysis was organized into thematic categories related to centralization, governance, and participation, coded using qualitative analysis procedures. The findings show that mayors have a critical perception of the centralized water management model, highlighting the lack of municipal powers and limited coordination with community entities. Similarities are identified with international experiences where decentralization lacks effective resources. The study provides novel empirical evidence on the limitations of the Chilean water governance model and contributes to the comparative academic debate on decentralization. It underscores the need to strengthen local capacities in order to enhance adaptive responses to prolonged water crises.
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