The use of multi-level storylines to facilitate the inclusion of marginalized stakeholders in participatory sociohydrological modelling: A case study in Atitlán, Guatemala

Abstract:

Sociohydrology requires new and unconventional sources of data that enhance our understanding of interactions between humans and water resources. Through stakeholder engagement, Participatory Modelling (PM) facilitates the conceptualization of sociohydrological models. However, the implementation of most PM activities remains biased, often treating communities as homogeneous units and failing to perceive different needs and capabilities within a society. This usually leads to the exclusion of key actors, particularly stakeholders associated with marginalized communities. In this study, a participatory model-building framework that facilitates the incorporation of marginalized stakeholders – associated with low literacy levels, who are relatively powerless, and/or associated with minoritized languages – is proposed. The method aims to inform and conceptualize system dynamics models using multi-level storylines. It is underpinned by the Multi-level Perspective framework (Geels et al., 2002) and includes causal loop diagrams. A case study was carried out in Atitlán Basin, Guatemala, to understand the relationships governing the lake’s eutrophication problem. The PM process incorporated stakeholders from the Mayan community, having diverse literacy levels and emerging from three linguistic backgrounds (Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil, and K’iche’). The suggested method facilitated the effective involvement of marginalized stakeholders. Additionally, it (1) helped develop an understanding of mechanisms causing the problem, (2) facilitated collaboration between indigenous and non-indigenous communities, and (3) elicited solutions targeting the system’s leverage points. The process produced three submodules: agriculture, tourism, and environmental awareness. Each submodule represented socioculturally-specific relationships governing nutrient discharge mechanisms. The identification of such relationships aids in the development of well-targeted policies and best management practices.