Social networks in water resources management in the semiarid: The São Francisco River Integration Project in the State of Ceará

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to describe the network of the main entities involved in the decision making process within the scope of the management and implementation of the São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF). To this end, the portion of the project inserted in the State of Ceará was selected. The analyzed data were obtained throughout interviews. The method of analysis used was the Social Network Analysis (ARS). The main results showed that there are few entities interacting in the PISF in the state of Ceará and those have a low connection. In addition, it was observed that the project management takes place under low levels of principles of good governance practices. The observed situation is problematic as it implies reduced space for the discussion of priorities and competences, therefore, a lower probability of conflict resolution and definition of more general measures of how to live with the semiarid region.