Smallholders’ Water Management Decisions in the Face of Water Scarcity from a Socio-Cognitive Perspective, Case Study of Viticulture in Mendoza

Grape producers in the Province of Mendoza (Argentina) are extremely vulnerable to the current water crisis, especially smallholders who have very limited resources to adapt. The discourse on adaptation options is mainly technocratic with a focus on modern irrigation systems not accessible to the majority of grape producers. Thus, this research aims at shedding light and providing information for the design of inclusive adaptation strategies by identifying, with a socio-cognitive model, feasible adaptation options according to grape producers’ perceptions and the related implementation barriers. Grape producers’ water scarcity and adaptation appraisal were explored through qualitative interviews in the Northern Oasis (Mendoza) to better understand how producers’ intentions are shaped through perceptual and socio-cognitive processes. To do so, a socio-cognitive model on grape producers’ adaptation to water scarcity (GPAWS) was developed based on two similar models. The analysis reveals that, as overall grape producers share a similar concern with the risk of water scarcity, their different adaptive behaviours tend to be mostly derived from their differences in adaptation appraisal. Moreover, producers’ adaptation intentions are mainly reactive and limited to answer short term, immediate risks. Most of the grape producers perceive feasibility and plan the implementation of reasonable efficiency measures. However, multiple barriers consequently limit the implementation of such adaptation options perceived as feasible by the producers. The results of this research can support government actors, agriculture research institutes, but also the cooperatives of producers seeking to encourage farmers’ adaptation, by identifying which adaptation options could be implemented according to the type of producers and their adaptation appraisal, but also why certain feasible measures are not being implemented.