The vulnerability, adaptation and resilience capabilities of water sector users in mauritius

Abstract

Mauritius is classified as a water-stressed country. This study aims at evaluating the vulnerability and resiliency levels of water users (domestic, agricultural and commercial/industrial/tourism) in the face of water scarcity, and with existing adaptation and mitigation measures. A specific zone of water supply representing the different users, namely the Northern District Water Supply System, was selected as the case study. A sample size of the target population was determined and a quota-sampling method was used to indicate the quota sample per sector. Mixed-mode surveys were conducted using the same questionnaire. The questionnaire included indicators of vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation, as well as resiliency. A scale of 1–5, 1–2 as lowest rating, 3 as moderate, 4–5 as high was generated depending on the percentage obtained through the indicators. Results were compared between users. Results show that although all sectors are vulnerable to water scarcity, the agricultural and domestic sectors face an increased risk. The sectors with a higher level of vulnerability are also those with a lower level of adaptation. On average, all users show only a basic level of resilience, but these lie within a range of importance. This paper adopts a sector-based approach to investigate the level of vulnerability and resilience of each user of water resources. It provides insightful and specific data for each sector, and proposes a comparison between the different users. Observations by experts in the water sector could provide more integrated water resource management recommendations.