Threads of water, bonds of blood: facing shortage in the desert of Lavalle (Mendoza, Argentina)

Abstract

Threads  of  water,  bonds  of  blood:  facing  shortage  in  the  desert  of  Lavalle  (Mendoza,  Argentina).

This study analyzes the probable relationships between the dynamics of natural resource use and the strategies for location of domestic units across the territory, within rural desert areas that have a boundless environmental offer. How, and in the framework of what strategies, do human groups turn different  portions  of  nature  into  natural  resources?  And  how  do  they  use  and  administer  such  resources  to  ensure  their  own  social reproduction?  To  go  forward  in  this  direction,  a  case  study  (the  desert  of  Lavalle,  Mendoza  province,  Argentina)  is  analyzed  by  using techniques of qualitative in-depth interviews and participating observation. The data presented suggest that in the territories analyzed -rural, on dry soils, affected by desertification and with high poverty indices- the constraints imposed by the environment are overcome, to some extent,  through  a  location  strategy  that  is  closely  related  to  the  production  process  and  is  able  to  maximize  access  to  certain  natural resources and put "in order" the competition for them with neighbours and relatives.