PARTICIPATORY MAPPING OF WATER ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CHACO OF SALTA (NORTHWEST ARGENTINA): ADVANCES OF A COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Knowing and spatially showing the different forms of access to water in the rural habitats of the Chaco de Salta represents a great challenge. To address this, we proposed to map these forms of access to water in the area, systematize the results and incorporate them into a Geographic Information System. The need for this survey arose from collaborative work with local groundwater (Rivadavia Banda Norte) and local management (La Unión – Rivadavia Banda Sur). Using social mapping techniques, the main forms of access to water in different locations, creole posts and communities originating in these municipalities were identified. In the space provided by the local tables, a prioritization was carried out that made it possible to spatially locate the areas most in need of water resources management. The use of geographic information systems has the advantage of providing a spatial and comprehensive view of the territory and, in this case, the water access situation, potentially useful for making informed decisions and affective water policies in the Chaco de Salta.