Majes Irrigation Project

1992-2013 — Arequipa, Peru

Handmove and Drip Irrigation Project

5 Hectare Farms / 20,000 Hectares

Agronomic and Social Benefits

By dividing the land into small parcels the benefit of private ownership for individual farmers was retained. On each 5 hectare farm is located a family who previously was not land owning. Starting with the bare necessities of a grass mat house, the farms have now evolved to prosperous farm land with nice three and four room homes, pick-up trucks, and modern farm equipment. The farms have proven to be very profitable for the land owners. The original worthless desert land now brings a price of $50,000 to $80,000 per 5 hectare farm. The crops grown are alfalfa, dairy farming, vegetables, grapes, asparagus, and melons.

Fast Installation

The project, although it has taken a number of years to complete, has only been delayed by the lack of funding. When funding is available 2,000 to 3,000 hectare sections have been completed in as short a time period as 90 days.

Low Cost

The installed cost of the equipment has been very economical compared to land leveling or other expensive irrigation development techniques. Total cost of the equipment has averaged approximately $1,800 per hectare installed to the farmer.

Summary

The Majes Project format could provide a model for irrigation development in many countries. It utilizes the benefits of efficient sprinkler and drip irrigation to maximize the irrigated acreage. With flood irrigation it would only be possible to irrigate one-third of the available acres. The structure of small, privately owned farms has created incentive for farmers to maximize production, and therefore, the project has been an economic success from the standpoint of landowners. Tremendous value has been created from desert land and over 4,000 family units have experienced a substantial improvement in their standard of living and financial well being. This project could provide a model for water resource development in other areas of the world, such as the rest of South America, or Africa --- wherever there is a good source of surface water or underground water, a project of this type could be quickly developed and implemented.

Majes Project 1992

The Majes 2000 project is located in one of the most arid regions of the world on the Las Pampas de Majes Desert 50 miles south of Arequipa, Peru. Annual rain fall is less than 5 inches per year. Shown in the picture are migrating sand dunes unique to this desert.

Rainfall in this desert is almost non-existent. This picture shows typical land area prior to development. Water source is from the Andes Mountains shown in the background.

The irrigation system is delivered to peasant farm. It is stored on the roof of the farmer’s hut to prevent theft since the farmer considers it his most valuable possession.

First irrigation is for a long period of time to soak the soil and leach out chemicals. Typical farm size is approximately 12 acres.

Rocks have now been removed from farm site, soil has been leached, and the crop planted. Andes Mountains are in the background.

Alfalfa crop starting to grow. Note rocks on right-hand side of picture which have been removed from field. Typical irrigation cycle is 2-1/2” of water every eight (8) days.