Conflicts over water and the use of agrochemicals in Salta and Santiago del Estero, Argentina: a political ecology analysis

Abstract

This article explores the consequences of the use of agrochemicals in Salta and Santiago del Estero, provinces located in the north-western of Argentina. This contribution offers a critical characterization of the role of competent authorities and regulations, and also realizes an approach to conflicts around spraying, focusing on water pollution and its health effects. The methodology combined the use of secondary sources and interviews. As main findings it shows that there are specific laws and a certain institutional framework regarding the environment conservation in general, and for water resources in particular, together with regulations to the use of agrochemicals. However, there are conflicts that, with varying degrees of visibility and intensity, problematize health and environmental effects at local scales. The critical health and water situation of the region becomes central, through renewed questions that arise from a water justice perspective.