The role of livelihood assets in shaping water security in mountain regions

Water security in mountain regions requires a deep understanding of the complex interplay of climatic and socioeconomic factors. While socio-hydrology offers a conceptual framework emphasizing the equal importance of social and hydrological processes in water management outcomes, the relative significance of each may vary depending on the specific context, water users’ perspectives, and their particular needs. To study these relationships, we applied the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to explore how livelihood assets of water user groups affect their water security in the headwaters of Cusco, Peru. We surveyed 154 residents about their perceptions of their natural, physical, social, human, and financial assets, alongside external influences like climate change and water legislation. We found that while water infrastructure (physical asset) is critical for water access, it does not ensure water security. Robust social assets are essential, as well as contributions from other assets. Furthermore, our results indicate that water user profiles (e.g. domestic water users or farmers) explain better the variability in water-related livelihood assets than geographical location or altitude. Using the SLF approach, we were able to identify the unique water-related needs, priorities, and challenges faced by each water user group. Therefore, water management in high mountain areas may pass through holistic community engagement and the strengthening of diverse assets—especially social ones—which can be achieved and included in policy frameworks aimed at sustainable water management and equitable water access. This would enable mountain communities to be better equipped to handle environmental and economic changes, moving towards more resilient and inclusive water security solutions.