Water scarcity in small island communities : a case study of Yanuca village, Fiji Islands
Date
2001
Authors
Hammill, Anne Geneviev̀e Takako
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Abstract
While biophysical conditions play a role in determining water scarcity, so too does human activity. Although this study highlights both aspects of water scarcity, emphasis is placed on examining the social processes contributing to its occurrence in a small island rural community in Fiji. Specifically, this study examines the processes that influence how water (and scarcity) is managed in Yanuca Village through a detailed description of local water use patterns and the views and experiences of ten village women. In so doing, this research reveals that scarcity in part persists because of the way in which Yanuca Village chooses to respond to/manage (or not respond to/manage) the problem. The periodic and unpredictable nature of local scarcity, coupled with existing surface water sources, have encouraged the development of adaptive management measures which enable villagers to meet their immediate needs during dry periods. When added to a reliance on external assistance, an adherence to tradition, and gender differences within the village, the incentive and ability of the community to successfully adopt mitigation strategies is challenged.