In the context of climate change, extreme weather events such as drought and prolonged extreme cold, which leads to frost, are increasing in intensity and frequency. This also presents people in the Andes with major new challenges. While smallholder households could still count on five to six months of rain 20 years ago, today the figure is just four to five months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glaciers as water sources are also declining drastically. According to the authorities in Bolivia and Peru, the glacier retreat in the project region of the departments of Cusco and Puno (Peru) and La Paz (Bolivia) is between 70 and 90 percent. Important rivers are thus losing their most important water reserves and carry little water in the dry season, which makes supply and agriculture more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a great need for action, as over 90 percent of smallholder farming families in these departments have no technical irrigation infrastructure. They are dependent on acquiring new knowledge and methods in the field of water management and working with micro-irrigation methods. The Lake Titicaca region in particular is facing a serious crisis that is jeopardizing the water supply for almost three million people in Bolivia and Peru. A large part of the population is of indigenous origin. Aymaras and Quechuas are particularly well represented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together with its partner organizations, Missi-on 21 supports smallholder households in acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of water management and in setting up water retention basins and micro-irrigation systems. Water harvesting strategies such as reforestation and the planting of Andean grasses and mosses are also intended to increase the water storage capacity of the surrounding ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The activities are mainly aimed at smallholder indigenous communities in rural areas. Women play an important leadership role, as they are permanently present on the ground and play a key role in agriculture. However, the educational programs and all project activities relating to water extraction are open to all interested parties who wish to participate and expand their knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Imparting skills and knowledge in the field of water management
- Construction of water retention basins and natural seepage pits on slopes
- Reforestation and planting of shrubs along strategic areas such as water source areas, river beds and wetlands
- Installation of micro-irrigation systems for the cultivation of food crops
- Imparting knowledge for dealing with enforcement authorities and about basic rights in water use<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bolivia<\/strong> Peru<\/strong> IDECA, in the Dept. of Puno: This film by our partner organization IDECA is about coping with climate change in the highlands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Machaca Amawta Foundation in the Departamento La Paz:
<\/strong>- Installation of 30 micro-irrigation systems for families in five communities and construction of two communal irrigation systems in two communities in the Ayata district:
- 80 families in the Ayata district have been trained in water management and low-budget water harvesting methods for sustainable food production and water supply. In addition to the construction of water retention basins, the focus is on reforestation and the careful use of water as a resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cedepas Peru in the department of Puno:
<\/strong>- In the Arapa project area, a precise mapping of the available water resources (springs, wetlands and rivers) and water uses was carried out. This created the planning basis for the construction of water infiltration ditches and reforestation areas.
- Installation of drip irrigation systems and solar-powered water pumps for around 80 families
- Water infiltration ditches and water retention basins were built and reforestation was carried out in an important source area of a river used by project participants in the food sovereignty projects in Arapa. This optimizes the availability of water for numerous families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>- Together with 23 families, three water retention basins and two water channels were built to irrigate a communal greenhouse.
- Numerous workshops and forums were also held on the following topics: sustainable water management, recreation and conservation of wetlands, the \"Bofedales\", use of natural and cultivated pastures, rediscovery of traditional and forgotten water management methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n