Territorial transformations and water governance: the case of the Laja-Diguillín irrigation system in the commune of Yungay, Chile

Abstract

This research examines the territorial transfor­mations linked to the Laja-Diguillín Irrigation System (LDIS) in the commune of Yungay, Chile, analyzing the complex relationship between water infrastruc­ture and territorial development. Through a multidi­mensional analysis, the study reveals that major water infrastructure projects do not automatically generate projected territorial transformations, but rather are embedded in a network of pre-existing socio-spatial relationships that mediate and recon­figure their impacts. The findings show selective and fragmented modernization of the territory, where significant investment in technological infra­structure contrasts with resistant territorial struc­tures. The analysis of the productive structure, so­cio-demographic dynamics, and water governance demonstrates that territorial transformations follow more complex logics than mere infrastructure avail­ability. The research highlights the need to rethink the territorial development model in contexts of large water infrastructures, complementing tech­nical investments with strategies that address the socio-institutional dimensions of development.