Water Governance and Sustainable Use of Water Resources in the Peasant Community of Arequipa, Peru

Abstract

Water governance is a strategic component for water sustainability in rural communities with limited availability of the resource. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between water governance and the sustainable use of water resources. Therefore, it is a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional and correlational research, with 60 participants selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires were applied and Spearman's Rho coefficient was used for inferential analysis. A high level of water governance predominated (51.7%), while sustainable use was mainly concentrated at the medium level (56.7%). A positive and significant association was identified between both variables (ρ = 0.640; p < 0.001), highlighting commitment and effectiveness. The findings show the importance of strengthening participation, coordination, and efficiency of community management to favor sustainable practices of water conservation and use.