1. Beyond Technical Solutions to Drinking Water Problems
Marie Claire Brisbois, MASc, PhD Candidate
Water Policy and Governance
University of Waterloo

3. Chimaltenango, Guatemala

4. Cerro Alto, Chimaltenango

8. Solutions?

9. Complex Problems

10. The Year was 1954…..
The newly elected democratic government had begun to re-distribute land to the population
The United Fruit Company (now Chiquita Banana), complained to the CIA that this affected their profitability
The CIA responded with military support

11. The Civil War
1954: CIA backs a coup to overthrow the democratically elected government
1966: Military begins to clash with guerillas who are protesting undemocratic rule
1996: Peace Accords signed
2012: Increasing violence, poverty (50% of population), instability, gangs, drug trade, etc., etc.
Source: REMHI

12. Land Ownership
Best land was appropriated during the civil war (1960 – 1996)
Dole banana plantation

13. Deforestation

14. Landslides/Disasters

15. Education

16. Gang Activity

17. Drug Trafficking

18. Mining

19. Free Trade

20. Etc….

21. Putting the Puzzle Together
Lens through which it is viewed

22. Other Complex Problems?

23. Photo Credits

24. Future Opportunities
2012/2013 Internships: June 2012-March 2013 Info at: and