EVALUACION DE ACTIVIDADES DE RIEGO EN BOLIVIA

This study, written in Spanish, evaluates current irrigation practices and the potential for improving irrigation in Bolivia. Although Bolivia has adequate subterranean and superficial water supplies as well as marked rainy seasons, a lack of funds, few trained personnel, and difficult topography have permitted only a few irrigation projects to be developed. Additionally, farmers use primitive irrigation techniques, such as flooding, which are ineffective and promote soil erosion. While large reservoir projects have been slightly more successful, they also lack adequate soil maintenance techniques and are responsible for higher soil salinity levels. The use of river water in a number of projects threatens to contaminate crops and spread disease as the water often contains sewage and human wastes. The viability of irrigation systems in Bolivia is unascertainable without: (1) accurate data on rainfall, water levels, climate and soil content; (2) educational outreach programs on soil maintenance and irrigation uses; (3) increased numbers of engineers and technicians; (4) reliable data on current farm production; and (5) increased management effectiveness and resources. Although a full cost-benefit analysis of levels of production with irrigation is impossible without these data, existing data indicate well-run irrigation projects could increase farm output 50-100%. Due to limited resources for implementing irrigation projects, priority should be given to vineyards in Tarija, vegetables and alfalfa in Cochabamba, and corn, potatoes, and fruit in the valleys. New projects in marginal areas will be more difficult due to the steep slopes, narrow valleys, adverse weather conditions, and poor soil content. There is little hope of quick improvement in the Bolivian irrigation system, but if large-scale projects are emphasized, management, training, and extension efforts can be developed simultaneously. A bibliography (1973-77), terms of reference, and a list of interviewees are included in English and Spanish.