The World Bank and water in Mexico

In the “Nation of Rain”

The word “Mixteca” means “Nation of Rain” in Náhuatl language and refers to a zone in Southern Mexico that includes the states of Puebla, Oaxaca and Guerrero, with large indigenous populations. It is believed that crops essential to pre-Hispanic America's development, such as corn, beans, and pumpkin, were first grown here.

Despite its name, this area –home to hundreds of indigenous communities like the Triqui, Chocholteco, and Amuzgo– faces some of Mexico's most severe deforestation and water scarcity. These issues have diverse underlying causes, some of which can be attributed to the Spanish conquest, which instituted a lengthy history of forest overexploitation, excessive grazing, and poor agricultural practices.

Today, erosion has reached devastating levels, leading Mixteca to be classified by many as an “ecological disaster area.” As a result, migration rates are also high in the region.

Rain in Mixteca is scarce and unpredictable, mountainsides have lost their vegetation cover, and erosion sends enormous amounts of sediment downriver.

In response to this worrisome outlook, the World Bank prepared the study “Water Management and Productive Restoration in the Mixteca Indigenous Region of Puebla and Oaxaca,” which diagnoses the causes of degradation and proposes solutions to improve the quality of life of rural communities in the area.

According to the study, the state of Oaxaca alone contains 1.5 million hectares of water-eroded land. Estimates indicate that 83% of Mixteca soils are slightly to moderately degraded, and 17% show signs of severe erosion.

In addition to identifying challenges, the report describes best agricultural practices, the best soil and water conservation practices, good ideas for production, successful local organization methods, and the schemes, programs, and projects that have contributed, or could contribute, to ensuring that this area remains the “Nation of Rain.”

Further Studies and Projects about Water

The Mixteca report, along with an additional study on water management in Mexico  is part of the World Bank efforts to, in cooperation with the Government of Mexico, promote environmental sustainability, the second pillar of the country’s present Partnership Strategy.

The Country Partnership Strategy Progress Report indicates that, although 90% of Mexico's population currently has access to safe water, the country “urgently needs to introduce sustainable water management practices.”

In addition to conducting studies that spur the debate and provide solutions to water-related challenges in Mexico, the World Bank is presently contributing a total of US$100 million for three projects aiming to improve the use of water resources and modernize irrigation, water supply, and sanitation systems.

Learn about the Projects:

Integrated Irrigation Modernization Project

Modernization of the Water and Sanitation Sector Technical Assistance Project
Mexico Environmental Services Project

Additional Report: