Abstract

SANCHEZ-LAZO, Angie Vanussa  and  LORA-LOZA, Miryam Griselda. WATER CHARGING AS A DETERMINANT OF THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF IRRIGATION PROJECTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Aula Virtual [online]. 2025, vol.6, n.13, e619.  Epub Jan 23, 2026. ISSN 2665-0398.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18268756.

This study synthesized the role of water charging strategies in the financial sustainability of irrigation projects, with a focus on Latin American countries, Spain, and others. A systematic review of the literature published between 2015 and 2025 was carried out. The methodology followed the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement. Six databases were consulted (Scopus, Ebsco, SciELO, Dialnet, Google Scholar, Agecon), with 322 initial records, of which 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that water fees are vital for the economic operation of irrigation projects, as they cover the costs of operation, maintenance, and investment. In Latin America, well-designed tariffs promote water use efficiency and sustainable technologies. However, if the fees are too low, they do not cover real costs, which affects the viability of the projects. The study also highlights that improvement involves governance issues, where the lack of effective fee collection, social pressure, and poor governance affect water management. In summary, fair tariffs, along with good governance, ensure the long-term sustainability of irrigation projects.

Keywords : Water collection; financial sustainability; irrigation; water management.

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