Irrigation program Water and climate change

active

Due to the effects of climate change, the amount and distribution of precipitation in Bolivia will change to the detriment of agricultural production. The aim of the project is to counteract the effects of this development by improving agricultural water management. The target group of the project is the (mainly poor) rural population in regions that are particularly affected by climate change. The project is sponsored by the Vice Ministry for Water Resources and Irrigation in the Bolivian Ministry of Environment and Water. The project is being implemented by the ministry's implementation unit (Entidad Ejecutora de Medio Ambiente y Agua - EMAGUA). The project works in a complementary manner to the Plan Nacional de Riego (PNDR) and the Plan Nacional de Cuencas (PNC), which are also supported by German development cooperation. The total cost of the project is EUR 16.68 million. The loan for implementation is EUR 12.0 million. The contribution of the users, the sponsor and the regional governments and municipalities involved is EUR 4.68 million (corresponds to around 28% of the total cost). The project is designed as an open program in the Chuquisaca and Cochabamba regions. The range of possible investments includes the construction and rehabilitation of small dams and canal systems, the conversion of small-scale production systems from gravity irrigation to irrigation and drip irrigation, improvement of irrigation organization and the expansion of water harvesting systems. The water users will be trained to later assume responsibility for operation and maintenance and will be supported in carrying out these tasks in the first year after completion of the structures (BMZ No. 201370360).