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PDF
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Type:
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Conference Paper |
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Author:
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Molle, François |
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Conference:
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Third Conference of the International Water History Association |
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Location:
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Alexandria, Egypt |
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Conf. Date:
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December 11-14 |
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Date:
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2003 |
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URI:
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https://hdl.handle.net/10535/5064
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Sector:
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Water Resource & Irrigation |
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Region:
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Subject(s):
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water resources
development
river basins
conservation
social behavior
water management
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Abstract:
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"The development of societies is to a large extent dependent upon their resource-base, notably water resources. Access to water depends on available technology and engineering feats such as river diversion structures, canals and dams. As growing human pressure on water resources brings actual water use closer to potential ceilings, societies usually respond by adopting conservation measures and by reallocating water towards more beneficial uses. This paper reviews various conceptualizations found in the literature of development of river basins over time. A typology of societal responses to water scarcity is then presented. It emphasizes the need to distinguish between responses devised by the state at the global level and those of individual farmers and small groups or communities. Whether these responses occur sequentially is examined by referring to several empirical situations which illustrate that a multilinear evolutionist framework can only crudely represent the specific historical evolutions and patterns that are encountered. A few elements which appear to be crucial in shaping responses are then singled out."
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