This project supports the research of a cultural anthropologist studying small-scale irrigation systems in Spain. The project will study systems in the mountains and in the lowlands of Spain, to compare with a previous study of a highland and lowland irrigation system in Peru. Using a methodology borrowed from "expert system" computer models, the project will create a model of small-scale irrigation system management. Built from specific cases of conflict and management decisions, the model will reveal the underlying values and constraints operating on this case. The model will then be compared with that fitting the Peruvian irrigation systems, in order to separate the influences attributable to altitude from those attributable to cultural history. This research is important because small scale irrigation systems are natural models of resource management that have usually worked over periods of time. In a world where there is current concern about global conservation and environmental degradation, this sort of case study of a naturally evolved management system can yield valuable insights to help planners design management systems for other resource domains.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9122134
Program Officer
Stuart Plattner
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1992-04-01
Budget End
1995-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
$74,937
Indirect Cost
Name
Catholic University of America
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Washington
State
DC
Country
United States
Zip Code
20064