Effects of Public Policy and Governance on the Prevention and Mitigation of Water Degradation Caused by Small‐Scale Farmers in South America: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Water degradation is a critical challenge for agricultural sustainability, particularly for small‐scale farmers in South America who rely on local water resources. This article presents the results of a scoping review of the academic literature on how public policies and governance frameworks influence the prevention and mitigation of water degradation associated with small‐scale agriculture in South America. Thus, the objective was to assess the impact of public policies and governance frameworks on the sustainable management of water by small‐scale farmers in South America, identifying barriers and opportunities. A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA‐ScR guidelines, with searches in Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO. Studies addressing public policies, governance, and water degradation in small‐scale agriculture in the region were analyzed. The findings indicate that policies promoting water infrastructure and monitoring are effective; however, many governance structures exclude small‐scale farmers. Privatization and export‐oriented policies exacerbate water degradation, whereas community‐based models demonstrate greater sustainability. It is crucial to integrate mitigation and prevention strategies with inclusive approaches that enhance small‐scale farmers' participation in water management. Future research should prioritize equity, climate change adaptation, and access to sustainable technologies.