Water Sowing and Harvesting: Ancestral Solutions Transforming Water Management in Latin America

Water is a vital resource, but its availability has become increasingly scarce in many parts of the world due to climate change and ecosystem overexploitation. In response to these challenges, rural and indigenous communities have revived ancient water management techniques like water sowing and harvesting, ancestral practices that have proven effective in addressing water scarcity and preserving ecosystem balance. In this article, we explore the experiences of Peru and other Latin American countries in implementing these strategies.

Water Sowing and Harvesting in Peru

Peru, a country marked by significant climate variability between its desert coast, highlands, and jungle, has been a pioneer in reviving water sowing and harvesting techniques. In the Andean regions, communities have resumed using amunas, pre-Hispanic systems that divert rainwater into underground infiltration zones, where it is stored in aquifers to be used during dry seasons. This technique not only ensures water access during drought periods but also helps recharge underground water sources.

One of the most notable projects has been implemented in the Huamantanga region, in the upper Chillón river basin. Here, communities have worked in collaboration with NGOs and the government to restore the amunas and improve their capacity to capture and store water. This effort has significantly increased water availability for agriculture and human consumption in Lima, the largest city in the country, especially during the driest months.

In other regions like Ayacucho and Ancash, water sowing and harvesting projects are also being implemented. In Ayacucho, for example, the construction of small natural dams in the upper basins has allowed the capture of rainwater, creating a reserve that benefits both agriculture and local communities.

Experiences in Other Latin American Countries

Water sowing and harvesting is not exclusive to Peru. Several Latin American countries have begun to implement or revive similar practices, adapted to their unique geographical and climatic contexts.

Ecuador

In Ecuador, indigenous Andean communities have been using traditional techniques to manage water for centuries. The use of terraces and irrigation channels has been crucial in controlling water flow and preventing erosion on mountain slopes. In recent years, Ecuador has promoted the recovery of these techniques, especially in the páramo region, where water sources supply cities like Quito and Cuenca. Projects such as wetland restoration and the construction of albarradas (earth dikes) have allowed communities to capture and store water for times of drought.

Bolivia

In Bolivia, where water scarcity has been a recurring issue in rural areas, water sowing has been promoted through the construction of infiltration dams and reforestation with native species that help retain water in the soil. In the Cochabamba region, water sowing and harvesting has been key to supporting communities dependent on agriculture. These projects have also included creating more efficient irrigation systems to optimize the use of available water.

Mexico

In Mexico, particularly in semi-arid regions, communities have developed practices to harvest rainwater during wet seasons. In the state of Oaxaca, small dams and catchment systems are being built to store rainwater in wells or reservoirs, ensuring access to water during the dry season. This technique has improved living conditions in rural communities, ensuring water for agriculture and domestic use.

Brazil

In northeastern Brazil, one of the driest regions in the country, rural communities have relied on building cisterns to capture rainwater. The "Cisterns" program has installed over one million storage systems in rural households, helping families cope with drought and improve water security. This approach has proven highly effective, as it not only provides drinking water but also allows for the cultivation of food during prolonged droughts.

Lessons and Opportunities for the Future

The experiences in Peru and other Latin American countries show that water sowing and harvesting is an effective and sustainable strategy to tackle water scarcity. These techniques not only provide water during critical times but also contribute to aquifer recharge, ecosystem conservation, and water security for communities.

The success of these practices largely depends on community participation, government support, and the integration of modern scientific knowledge to improve the systems' efficiency. In a context of increasing climate change, where droughts and rainfall variability are becoming more common, water sowing and harvesting presents itself as a solution that can help communities adapt and thrive under adverse conditions.

Moreover, there is great potential to replicate and scale these practices in other regions of Latin America and the world, where sustainable water management will be essential to ensuring the well-being of populations and the conservation of natural resources.

AyD Ecoingenieros