摘要：Since the adoption of dramatic national water policy reforms in 1992, Mexico's watergovernance paradigm has had time to mature. This article analyzes Mexico's experience with water policytransition, based on research in irrigation districts and river basin councils in the northwestern state ofSonora. I examine the trajectory of the water policy transition using the policy sciences framework set forthin the introductory article. The article argues that the transition to a "new culture of water" focused on thethree principles of efficiency, decentralization, and sustainability has only minimally fulfilled its goal ofestablishing a new state-citizen relationship around water policy. Multiple and conflicting agendas arerepresented in the water policy, and a coherent governance strategy that is sustained over time and placehas not been achieved. In particular, legal modifications to the national water law that emphasize integratedwatershed planning and local participation were approved in 2004 but have never been formallyimplemented. Political fragmentation and changing of parties in power has contributed to the challenge ofworking towards a more democratic, participatory water policy over the last two decades. The articleconcludes with a critique of the policy sciences approach in the context of the Mexican case and that ofother "developing" countries
关键词：ejidos; governance; irrigation districts; Mexico; river basin councils; Sonora; water policy
