Sukhomajri Water Management as a Coupled System

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Abstract
This study presents a conceptual framework to analyze water management cases as an evolving process of a coupled system. It examines the evolution of interactions of system elements (variables, processes, actors, and institutions) of a coupled natural and human system using Sukhomajri as a case study. Although this case study is widely cited as evidence of the initial success and later failure of the Integrated Water Resource Management paradigm, our argument here is that the evidence for the judgment of success or failure is premature and can be interpreted and understood differently. We show how phase changes in system dynamics – from simple to complicated to complex – are manifested in this case study over time. The proposed conceptual frame of phase changes is used to identify the processes and practices that took place in managing water problems in Sukhomajri. The study identifies how the processes that arose in different phases were managed or neglected as well as the interventions that either facilitated, hindered, or misinterpreted the emergent nature of a coupled system. The analysis is divided into three sections. We begin by establishing the conceptual frame of the analysis as an evolving coupled system and then illustrate the evolution in the processes and practices of natural resource management in Sukhomajri. We show some consequences of not fully appreciating the formulation and implementation of different intervention strategies as an evolving process with emergent properties. It shows how the meteoric rise and fall of the effectiveness of Sukhomajri may be related to (mis)understanding and (mis)alignment of different management interventions as the system evolved and phase changes occurred. Finally, we discuss and connect the evolving dynamics of Sukhomajri with some of the water diplomacy concepts, ideas, challenges, and tools discussed in this handbook. From an operational perspective, a key takeaway lesson is to recognize the evolving nature of coupled system dynamics as different interventions are implemented and monitored. Additionally, we urge practitioners to pay particular attention in identifying and implementing interventions as phase changes occur – from simple to complicated and to complex systems – to remain adaptive in ensuring desired outcomes.

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