The climate is changing and so are we

‘Before being part of the project, I had to walk several hours a day to collect the water’

In the Otoncito community, one hour away from Ecuador’s capital city Quito, María Mercedes, a widow, lives with her brother and sister in a land that they inherited from their mother.

She works in agriculture and sows traditional products such us potatoes, corn and a variety of vegetables. As an additional source of income, Mercedes and her sister harvest Mishqui (honey from the Agave, a plant from The Andes) to sell at the Cayambe Sunday market.

In Cayambe, Pichincha Province, Mercedes’ community had to face long periods of drought, which resulted in the lack of fertile land, large economic losses and food insecurity due to limited food production and poor access of safe water.

FORECCSA seek to to improve the quality of life of thousands of families that are vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity.

For three months, Mercedes participated in mingas (community work) for the development of adaptation measures, that were defined after the vulnerability study in Otón. In June 2016, the community finished the construction of two reservoirs, which store 9,000 m3 of irrigation water and ensure a constant water supply.

This has reduced the impact of current and future climate changes that affect the food security of Oton’s families

“Before being part of the Project, I had to walk several hours a day to collect the water I used for cultivation and preparation of my family´s food,” said Mercedes.

Mercedes and her family receive a daily irrigation water supply that has allowed them to sow, knowing that their harvest will not be lost to droughts.

“I receive water daily from a river of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and the supply comes to my house through the Guanguilqui irrigation channel. It has allowed me to incorporate new products into my harvest, such as legumes and vegetables,” she says.

With a smile on her face, Mercedes says: “It’s the first year I’ve sown potatoes with my brother. He used to work in the construction area far away from home. Thanks to the fact that we are currently having permanent irrigation, we have decided to invest our time and resources into the agriculture. Now, my brother can finally share more time with his family.

“Today, my land is green and fertile, my children and grandchildren can consume products that grow in my chakra (family garden) and I have safe water.”

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