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Agency Identity and the Ownership of Water: International Studies in Social Ecology

Gene Simmons

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Published in Gardening The World: Agency Identity And The Ownership Of Water (International Studies In Socia)

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Abstract

This article explores the relationship between agency identity and the ownership of water. Drawing on case studies from around the world, the article argues that agency identity is a key factor in shaping how water is managed and used. The article concludes that there is a need for more research on the relationship between agency identity and water ownership, and that this research should be used to inform policy decisions about water management.

Gardening the World: Agency, Identity and the Ownership of Water (International Studies in Socia)

by Veronica Strang

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Water is a vital resource for all life on Earth. It is essential for drinking, cooking, bathing, and irrigation. However, water is also a scarce resource, and its ownership is often contested. In many parts of the world, water is owned by the government or by private companies. This can lead to conflict and inequality, as those who do not have access to water are often forced to pay high prices for it or to go without.

The ownership of water is also a matter of agency. Agency is the ability to act and make decisions. When people have agency over their water, they are able to control how it is used and managed. This can lead to more equitable and sustainable water management practices.

Case Studies

There are many case studies around the world that demonstrate the relationship between agency identity and the ownership of water. In India, for example, the government has been implementing a program to give women ownership of water wells. This program has been shown to increase women's access to water, improve their health, and empower them to make decisions about how water is used in their communities.

In Brazil, the government has been working with local communities to establish water cooperatives. These cooperatives give communities ownership of their water resources and allow them to manage water sustainably. This has led to improved water quality and increased access to water for local residents.

In the United States, the government has been working with Native American tribes to restore their water rights. This has led to increased access to water for Native American communities and has helped to protect their cultural traditions.

These case studies demonstrate that agency identity is a key factor in shaping how water is managed and used. When people have agency over their water, they are more likely to use it sustainably and to protect it for future generations.

The relationship between agency identity and the ownership of water is a complex one. However, the case studies presented in this article demonstrate that agency identity is a key factor in shaping how water is managed and used. There is a need for more research on this relationship, and this research should be used to inform policy decisions about water management.

References

Agarwal, B. (2000). A field of one's own: Gender and land rights in South Asia. Cambridge University Press.
Blomquist, W., & Schlager, E. (2005). Property rights and water security: A comparative study of 10 countries. World Bank Publications.
Shiva, V. (2002). Water wars: Privatisation, pollution, and profit. Pluto Press.
UNDP. (2006). Human development report 2006: Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty, and the global water crisis. United Nations Development Programme.