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Cosecha de Agua

Project completed

The erratic rainfall pattern in Nicaragua during the past few years primarily affects the population living in the so-called "dry corridor." Poor farmers have only limited technical and economic capacities for coping with this phenomenon. The project will support small farmers in harvesting and efficiently using rainwater. In addition, the project will provide the basis for the formulation of a National Water Harvesting Strategy. 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Nicaragua
Climate change and environment
Agriculture & food security
Environmental policy
Agricultural development
01.02.2013 - 31.12.2018
 CHF  9’800’000
The project in brief
Background

The climate scenario of the coming years predicts increased temperatures and reduced rainfall for the “dry corridor”, but above all, erratic rainfall patterns during the planting season. Small farmers are not prepared to adapt to this situation. Water harvesting provides a possibility for coping with irregular rainfall. However, the technology is available only on a very limited scale and its use has not been systematically analysed and clearly documented.
Objectives

To increase the resilience of poor families living from agriculture and livestock to the consequences of climate change and climate variability by introducing water harvesting technology. The harvested water will be used for irrigation, animal and domestic use.
Target groups

  • 1,500 small farm families (9,000 persons) in the municipalities located in the “dry corridor” where droughts are long and severe.
  • Public institutions and private sector entities which provide construction and technical assistance services, as well as irrigation equipment.

    		•
    Medium-term outcomes
    1. The capacities of public and private actors have been strengthened in the design, construction and supervision of high-quality water harvesting works.
    2. Farm families have: taken advantage of an additional productive cycle; diversified agricultural production; increased their food security and improved their quality of life.
    3. Knowledge of water harvesting technologies has increased and been shared as an effective measure for adapting to climate change.

     
    Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
    Credit area Development cooperation
    Project partners Contract partner
    Other International Organization
    Private sector
    Foreign state institution
    • Central State of South East
    • Other OI
    • Foreign private sector South/East
    • Ministry of Family, Community, Cooperative and Associative Economy (MEFCCA); Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry (MAGFOR), Nicaraguan Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA)


    Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    9’800’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    8’829’707
    Project phases Phase 2 01.11.2018 - 31.12.2022   (Completed)

    Phase 1 01.02.2013 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)

    • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GENERAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
      AGRICULTURE
      Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
      Environmental policy and administrative management
      Agricultural development
      Type of support Official development assistance (ODA)
      Type of collaboration Bilateral cooperation
      Finance type Aid grant
      Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
      Project and programme contribution
      Tied/untied aid Untied aid
      Project number

      7F08604

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    Last update 19.11.2019