Unveiling the Nexus of Scientific Production, Water Resource Management, and Global Water Challenges

This study offers a comprehensive scientometric analysis of global developments in water management, with a particular emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regions, which collectively possess approximately one-third of the world’s water resources. However, these regions are confronted with significant challenges, including scarcity, pollution, and inequitable distribution. The specific case of LAC is examined in order to explore these dynamics in greater depth. Notwithstanding the region’s high per capita water availability, LAC continues to grapple with persistent challenges in water management and distribution, particularly in the context of agriculture and its associated vulnerable populations. The analysis demonstrates the impact of these challenges on agriculture and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, underscoring the necessity for enhanced integrated water resource management (IWRM) practices to address pivotal sustainable development goals (SDGs), including access to clean water, agricultural sustainability, and climate action. The study employs scientometric analysis and the Tree of Science tool, supported by R-based analytics, to draw on data from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). This approach offers a nuanced view of the field’s evolution and identifies influential publications and collaborations. Furthermore, the study underscores the potential shortcomings of relying on selective databases, which could influence the depth of the findings. The graphical analyses provide insights into sustainable practices and policy frameworks and culminate in actionable recommendations aimed at improving water governance. By presenting specific insights pertinent to LAC, this research contributes to the advancement of integrated water resource management (IWRM) practices aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs), including clean water access, agricultural sustainability, and climate resilience.