Overview
Santa Clara La Laguna is a mountainous town of 11,000 people living in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Most families farm for subsistence, with some farmers selling their crops to subsidize income. For the last fifteen years, many farmers have experienced more irregular rainfall patterns and increased heat, which makes growing crops increasingly difficult. To address these concerns, drip irrigation systems will be installed on three parcels of land used by fourteen families for cultivation. Compared to conventional irrigiation methods, drip irrigation delivers water much more efficiently to crops meaning less water is wasted. This system will also allow farmers to increase their crop yields by providing crops a consistent source of targeted irrigation, regardless of rainfall.
Activities
- Train families involved on proper irrigation techniques using drip irrigation.
- Implement systems on four plots of land using the help of the farming families.
- Follow up with families and inspect irrigation system functionality as well as water rate.
- Test water levels and rates for continued monitoring.
* Due to the COVID-19 crises, the government of Guatemala has insituted a shelter-in-place ordinance. As a result, most of the project activities are currently on hold. Materials are currently awaiting installation and the necessary trainings meant to be given to the stakeholders have been postponed. Both the installation and the trainings will commence once the local authorities give their permission and the ministry of agriculture employees return to work.
Materials:
- 90 meters of 0.5″ polyduct tubing (Qty: 10
- Water holding tanks 750 liter capacity (Qty: 3)
- Water distribution tanks, 2500 liter capacity (Qty: 3)
- 1.5″ water filters (Qty: 4)
- Tube connectors (Qty: 400)
- Water valve 1.25″ (Qty: 9)
- PCV Tubing 1.25″ (Qty: 80)
- Drip tape roll, 8mm diameter w/15cm holes (Qty: 4)
Indicators (anticipated):
Direct outputs:
- 3 farms equipped with water-efficient drip irrigation technology
Capacity building:
- 14 families (19 women, 13 men) with access to and knowledge of how to properly use and maintain drip irrigation
Impact:
- Gallons of water used following project completion compared to past years
- Lbs of crops produced following project completion compared to past years
