ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION ACTIVITIES IN BOLIVIA

Although approximately two-thirds of the nation"s population is engaged in agriculture, production remains at a low level. Traditional production methods, poor management, and lack of capital are primary obstacles to improved productivity. The author of this report made onsite visits to irrigation projects throughout Bolivia, interviewing local farmers as well as project personnel. Irrigation has often had disasterous long-term effects in terms of crop yields and soil erosion. Impinging on the capability of many of these lands to sustain irrigation are such factors as steep slopes, soils susceptible to erosion, shallow soils, limited moisture-holding capacity, rocky soil, salinity, threat of waterlogging, frequent flooding, and adverse climate. Nevertheless, there are strong indications that, with the use of modern soil conservation technology, Bolivian agriculture could significantly benefit from irrigation. Steep slopes can be benched, terraced, and corrugated for close growing crops, etc. However, land capability should be carefully considered in the future selection of irrigated projects. Data should be collected on streamflow, surficial storage, and underground waters. Realistic and meaningful cost and return studies should be prepared for all projects. Overall, there is a critical lack of trained personnel, tools, and equipment for current irrigation activities. The author recommends that a concentrated effort be made to intensify the Government of Bolivia"s (GOB) education and extension services, focusing on basic farm management, production techniques, irrigative water management, and soil conservation. The frequent use of irrigation water contaminated with raw sewage poses a significant health hazard. The GOB should be encouraged to implement meaningful water laws. Current irrigation activities are being carried out by several different institutions. These institutions should be consolidated, and an effective irrigation authority established to provide naional policy and administrative and technical direction.