PERCEPTION OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE PIPIRIPAU WATER PRODUCER PROJECT: MOTIVATIONS, IMPACTS AND WATER SECURITY

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Large-scale deforestation and extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts, have jeopardized water security and agricultural production. In the Pipiripau Creek basin, Federal District, there was a severe drought in 2016 and 2017 that caused a drastic reduction in water flow. This led to the restriction of water use for irrigation, affecting agricultural production. This study evaluated the perception of farmers, who joined the Pipiripau Water Producer Program (PPA-P) with spring conservation or restoration practices, about the motivations for joining the program and its effects, including the mitigation of impacts caused by the 2016/2017 water crisis. A structured questionnaire was applied to 14 farmers participating in the Project. The main motivation for joining the PPA-P was the expectation of greater water availability, followed by the need to comply with environmental regulations. These were also the two greatest benefits perceived by the participants. Spring restoration and conservation activities supported by PPA-P helped in coping with the 2016/2017 drought, which led a considerable portion of farmers to rely less on the collective supply system for irrigation. Although the main motivation was not financial, the incentives promoted by PPA-P helped farmers with the environmental regularization of their properties. This reinforces the idea that such initiatives can help small farmers comply with environmental legislation. Furthermore, they can help farmers adapt to climate change impacts and reduce water use conflicts.