Understanding Water Security Through Livelihood Assets in the Peruvian Andes

Understanding Water Security Through Livelihood Assets in the Peruvian Andes

We are pleased to share a new open-access publication co-authored by EClim researchers Christian Huggel and Randy Muñoz, titled:

📰 The role of livelihood assets in shaping water security in mountain regions
🔗 Read the paper

The study explores how different types of livelihood assets—natural, physical, social, human, and financial—affect water security among diverse user groups in the headwaters of Cusco, Peru. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), the research reveals that:

  • Water infrastructure alone does not guarantee water security.
  • Social assets—like trust, networks, and institutions—are critical for equitable access and long-term resilience.
  • Water user profiles (e.g., farmers vs. domestic users) better explain differences in water-related needs than geography or altitude.

The paper calls for community-centered, asset-based water management strategies that recognize the specific vulnerabilities and strengths of each group. These insights are vital for resilient, inclusive water governance in high mountain regions facing rapid environmental and social change.

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