Installing a micro irrigation system for the Kacha community

Project region : La Paz region, Larecaja province, Combaya canton

Duration : 1 year (May 2003 to May 2004)

Aim : Increase the surface of cultivated land, use suitable irrigation and increase production and productivity

Course of action :

• collecting and storing water
• Making it accessible to all the farmers and increasing the number of users
• reducing water wastage
• soil conservation plan

Enough water to harvest more

The Khacha community live far off the beaten track, 165km from LA Paz and requires a long walk to reach.
The farmers only make one annual harvest. Although excluding the lack of water, the area boast all the right conditions for more productive farming from 3 to 4 harvests per year.

The people of Khacha are Aymara Indians. Of the 100 estimated families in the community, 60 live there on a permanent basis. For economic reasons, 40 families have had to move to neighbouring villages and towns.

The new irrigation system has allowed the community to expand its farmable lands, it also allows farmers to vary their crop production and increase the safety of their crops.

Their farming then becomes a source of income rather than just for personal consumption, improves their quality of life and thereby slows the rural exodus.

Partner : CECASEM

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