A prototype framework for models of socio-hydrology: identification of key feedback loops with application to two Australian case-studies

Abstract

Abstract. It is increasingly acknowledged that, in order to sustainably manage global freshwater resources, it is critical that we better understand the nature of human-hydrology interactions at the broader catchment system-scale. Yet to date, a generic conceptual framework for building models of catchment systems that include adequate representation of socioeconomic systems – and the dynamic feedbacks between human and natural systems – has remained elusive. In an attempt to work towards such a model, this paper outlines a generic framework for a model of socio-hydrology that posits a novel construct, a composite Community Sensitivity state variable, as a key link to elucidate the drivers of behavioural response in a hydrological context. The framework provides for both macro-scale contextual parameters, which allow it to be applied across climate, socioeconomic and political gradients, and catchment-specific conditions, by way of tailored "closure relationships", in order to ensure that site-specific and application-specific contexts of socio-hydrologic problems can be accommodated. To demonstrate how such a framework would be applied, two different socio-hydrological case studies, taken from the Australian experience, are presented and discussed. It is envisioned that the application of this framework across study sites and gradients will aid in developing our understanding of the fundamental interactions and feedbacks in such complex human-hydrology systems, and allow hydrologists to participate in the growing field of social-ecological systems modelling.

Modeling Acequia Irrigation Systems Using System Dynamics: Model Development, Evaluation, and Sensitivity Analyses to Investigate Effects of Socio-Economic and Biophysical Feedbacks

“…Interdisciplinary systems approaches [3,15,16] have focused on identifying qualitative connections between hydrology, ecology, community, and economics or quantifying and modeling only one or two of these components. More importantly, this work complements major advances in the field of sociohydrology [17][18][19][20][21], where six key components (hydrology, population, economics, environment, socioeconomic sensitivity and collective response) have been proposed and developed [16], adopted and extended to more specific application [18][19][20], and refined and generalized [20]. Results from such work have provided better understanding of the coupled nature between local societies and their hydrologic context, particularly the governing role of community sensitivity to maintaining hydrologic and ecosystem health and functions through an adaptive management process [17][18][19][20].…”

“…Acequia communities were built on CPR practices, such as sharing uplands resources (e.g., grazing) and water for agricultural production in the floodplains, collective-knowledge transmission to descendants, embedded community mutualism, and cooperation of community members. Mutualism, in this context, can be described as the shared, communal responsibility of local residents to maintaining traditional irrigation policies and upholding cultural and spiritual observances unique to their family and acequia's lineage (e.g., feelings of collective well-belling, social identity, pride and sense of place) and closely resembles community sensitivity state factors expressed in socio-hydrology [18][19][20][21] Historically, mutualism was maintained by management activities that connect residents with each other and natural resources. However, mutualism has been threatened due to changing demographics (including family continuity), economic hardship (necessitating external jobs), and agricultural participation rates (declines in land and water devoted to agriculture), which threatens sustainability of acequias through reduced participation in the traditional activities ( Figure 2).…”

“…The SD model incorporates economic, social, ecological and hydrological dynamics (similar to the foundational elements of socio-hydrologic modeling [18][19][20][21]), which operate over a fixed land base owned by acequia community irrigators ( Figure 3). Endogenous components include land use, time management decisions of individual irrigators, and community population dynamics ( Figure 3).…”

Progress in socio‐hydrology: a meta‐analysis of challenges and opportunities

“…A community may become sensitive to environmental degradation and may respond to changes brought about by its technology-driven pursuit of improved human well-being. 72 The values and norms of a society in respect of water resources and the environment may even change as a sociohydrological system becomes more vulnerable, posing a threat to sustainable use of water and land resources for human well-being. 53,61,72 Unintended negative consequences may become part of the social consciousness, sensitizing communities to further degradation.…”

“…72 The values and norms of a society in respect of water resources and the environment may even change as a sociohydrological system becomes more vulnerable, posing a threat to sustainable use of water and land resources for human well-being. 53,61,72 Unintended negative consequences may become part of the social consciousness, sensitizing communities to further degradation. The behavioral response of communities, e.g., in the form of environmental activism (i.e., green movement), then helps to translate changes in water and land use practices into political and legislative actions.…”