Hidden costs of water retained for avocado production in Mexico

Authors

  • Carlos Francisco Ortiz-Paniagua Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, México
  • Gerardo Ruiz-Sevilla Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46380/rias.v7.e384

Keywords:

agricultural exports, economic valuation of water, Geographic Information Systems, water dams

Abstract

Tancítaro accounts for 15% of the total avocado production in Michoacán, Mexico, establishing it as the municipality that produces and exports the highest quantity of avocados globally. However, the construction of water dams (pots), fed by precipitation, rivers, springs, and wells predominantly for the irrigation of avocado orchards, significantly influences local ecosystems. Given that this water-primarily originates from rainfall, it is considered freely accessible and is thus excluded from the production costs. Nonetheless, in a hypothetical scenario where this water is not to be quantified, the question arises regarding the financial implications of the retained water. This study aimed to estimate the volume of water retained and ascertain its associated cost. The methodology employed Geographic Information Systems and the development of a script in RStudio to compute the water volume and then estimate its economic value through opportunity cost scenarios. The results indicated that the cost of water constitutes approximately 50% of the total income generated from the cultivation of the irrigated area. These costs, however, remain hidden, as the price competitiveness of avocado cultivation may be jeopardized when such factors are considered.

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Published

2024-11-18

How to Cite

Ortiz-Paniagua, C. F., & Ruiz-Sevilla, G. (2024). Hidden costs of water retained for avocado production in Mexico. Iberoamerican Environment & Sustainability Journal, 7, e384. https://doi.org/10.46380/rias.v7.e384

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Section

Sustainable management of water resources