Power and interests in conflicts over the use of irrigation channels in an informal settlement : a Peruvian perspective

Abstract: Rapid and informal urbanisation is a phenomenon which is changing agricultural and natural landscapes into urban areas in an unplanned manner all over the world, especially in the global south. This has many consequences one of which is tension and conflict between traditional land users and urban settlers, leading to struggles over scarce resources. This study analysed the underlying dynamics of conflicts associated with the use of agricultural irrigation channels in what has become an informal settlement in Lima, Perú. Based on the perceptions of involved stakeholders, the Soft Systems Methodology was used for obtaining a holistic understanding of the situation. Limitations for improving the situation were identified and propositions for possible change were developed. The findings suggest that the conflicts about the collective use of the irrigation channels are strongly shaped by differing interests of the stakeholders and by unequal power structures. Embedded are the conflicts into a complex network of institutional, social and environmental factors, whereby institutional and social factors dominate. The study supported stakeholders in defining limitations to improvement. These are marginalisation and social exclusion of the people living in the informal settlement by public stakeholders, a lack of governmental enforcement concerning informal development and a lack of public accountability. Concerning possible improvements the study has found that positive changes to the present situation can be initiated, by empowering the citizens of the informal settlement and by continuously fostering dialogue and exchange of information between the different stakeholders.