Economic Development Projects – Agricultural Water Reservoirs:
Bolivia’s subsistence farmers generally own 1-2 acre plots on which they raise corn, potatoes, or small grains. The mountainous areas essentially have two climatic seasons: a warm, rainy season during which rain falls nearly every day for three to four months and a cooler, dry season during the remaining months when moisture rarely falls. Farmers plant in August, hoping for early rains that, along with melted mountain snows, will trickle into their streams and begin to flow through their earthen canals. In good years, crops germinate and reach the half-mature stage before heavy rains begin in December. If the rainy season brings sufficient water, farmers direct the water to channels and irrigate their fields, watering crops through maturity and harvest in March and April.
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During years of light snowmelt or limited rainfall, the lack of water results in widespread failure of seeds to germinate and substantially reduces yields. In contrast, during years of heavy snow or excessive rainfall, fields flood, washing away germinating seeds and sprouting plants. Heavy flooding creates added danger by undermining the foundations of adobe (mud brick) homes, leading to total collapse of the structures and serious injury or death for their inhabitants. |
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Using the environmental study and subsequent design recommended by municipal government engineers, Mano a Mano partners with local farmers to build reservoirs that hold rain water for periodic release to crop land during the dry season. Farmers work with their picks and shovels alongside Mano a Mano’s heavy equipment to construct the reservoir. These farmers form a water cooperative through which to manage and maintain the reservoir. |
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The local agronomist informed Mano a Mano that the income of farmers who draw water from the Ucuchi reservoir doubled after the first harvest. Reservoir projects address the dual goals of expanding farmer’s capacity to provide a healthy diet for their families and increasing income by having enough left over to sell in city markets. |
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Laguna Sulty Water Reservoir Project (5 minutes) |
Sancayani Water Reservoir (4 minutes) |