A graph model analysis of the conflict in the irrigated perimeter in Chapada do Apodi-Brazil

Abstract

A conflict situation arises whenever there is a dispute between two or more individuals or groups of individuals with different decision-making powers and interests. In this context, this research aims at analyzing the application of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) in disputes over the use of water resources in the irrigated perimeter located in Chapada do Apodi/CE, Brazil. Chapada do Apodi has great economic development potential for the State of Ceará in Brazil since there is high quality soil for agricultural practice. This potential made it possible to implement a public irrigation perimeter in this region. The water supply has become decisive for the full development of the region and, due to the low water supply, conflicts between small, medium and large producers have intensified. In this paper, we provide some insight into this conflict through a stability analysis using the GMCR. The stability analysis points out as a conflict resolution a scenario representing the situation where governmental organizations require the implementation of a water reuse system by large companies and do not increase the water pumping tariff for producers, small farmers drill deep water wells, agribusiness does not grow crops that consume less water, and civil society offers political training and social mobilization in support of small farmers. In particular, the stability analysis carried out suggested as a conflict resolution a scenario which comprises both water consumption reduction from small and large farmers and also political training and social mobilization of the small farmers.