Perspectivas bioculturales e inequidad en el acceso al agua en una comunidad rural de la árida Patagonia argentina

This article delves into the multifaceted issue of water scarcity, examining its socio-economic, cultural, political, and environmental dimensions, its impacts and local responses in the context of global change. Qualitative research was carried out, mainly including interviews and participant observation in a Mapuche-Tehuelche community from arid Argentinian Patagonia. The results provide diverse biocultural perspectives on water scarcity. The construction and complexity of water crisis not only involve the biophysical characteristics of the environment, but also inequality, conflicts over water control and deficient state management. Although the community has developed a wide range of strategies that allow it to face some of its effects, it is still necessary to strengthen the social framework and improve coordination with public policies for fostering effective adaptation processes and enabling participatory governance.