Life is better with a lake

A project to create rainwater reservoirs in poor communities in Bolivia has allowed families to increase their income and improve their children's health and access to education.

Families in the municipalities of Mojocoya and Aiquile, areas with no permanent rivers and where the rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, had previously relied on low-value crops such as corn and wheat with only one harvest each year.

The creation of lakes to store rainwater has meant that higher-value crops, including carrots, onions and peaches, can be grown and harvested up to three times a year. Food surplus to the families' own needs is sold in local markets, providing a secure income.

A total of 340 families were involved in the project in the two areas. Malnutrition in children under five years old has been reduced by 36% in the project areas, and family incomes have increased by an average of 500%.

Simeon Ramos, one of the community members involved in the scheme, said, "Before now we harvested once a year and the price of these products was low; now with the lakes we have various crops and we harvest up to three times a year.

"We sell more products such as vegetables, fruits and others in larger quantities; our income has increased and our children live in better conditions."

Miguel Quiroz, from the municipality of Mojocoya, said, "In this community we suffered badly from the lack of water, it is a dry place, we have long periods of drought, we cannot produce even enough for family consumption, many people migrate from this community.

"Now, thanks to the project, the lakes are a relief. We have water for consumption, to produce fruits and vegetables; we are very content, very grateful for these first-rate projects they have constructed for us."