Reflections on water shortage in some Brazilian regions and Co-production in Public Management: towards a more effective water management

Abstract

The lack of water in some regions of Brazil, as in the northeastern semiarid and in Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, located in the northeastern part of Minas Gerais State, has caused economic and societal problems. This article aims to fill a literature gap, once studies on this topic are scarce. This work sought to reflect on whether the relationship between water management stakeholders, through co-production in public administration, could improve water management. Through the intersection between the theories of Stakeholders, Co-production, and Common Good, it is hypothesized that the intersection between stakeholders could, through democratic decision-making, minimize the negative effects of water scarcity. The main conclusions point to new possibilities for public management, which constitute a promising field for the effective participation of stakeholders, enabling more effective water management.