LA PRÁCTICA DE RIEGOS ANCESTRALES ANDINOS: EL RIEGO POR KANIS

Abstract

Irrigation is an ancient agricultural technique developed by the Andean traditional cultures in harmony with environmental and productive characteristics of the area. Irrigation practice had to be adapted to the steep slopes leading to very specific techniques that are practiced even today In Bolivia, the interandean valleys of La Paz's Department are privileged places for the study of traditional irrigation systems. The experimental work was carried out in the peasant community of Jatichulaya, located in Charazani, at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level, with an average annual rainfall of about 450 mm. The traditional irrigation system practiced there is called the kanis's method. The word kanis is a quechua word that refers to furrow irrigation opening for water conveyance. This irrigation system avoids soil erosion because it follows contour lines. Thereby, soil is protected but manpower required in the irrigation practice was excessive. The person in charge of water distribution and delivery to irrigators is called Agente de Aguas (Water's officer).