Area: 1400 hectares Level of Study: Feasibility and Final design Location: Loja Date Consultancy began: September 1995 Date Consultancy ended: October 1996 Total Contract Amount: USD $255,632,00 Name of associated firms: None Customer: Ecuadorian Subcommission, PREDESUR
Characteristics of the Project:
The purpose of the “Manú” irrigation project is to irrigate an area of approximately 1400 hectares up to 2600 meters altitude, located on the right bank of the Huapamala River, and to generate stable employment, by increasing production so farmers and farm workers can improve their income and standard of living.
The project’s specific goals are:
Define the technical feasibility of taking in, conducting and distributing water for irrigation by selecting among the alternatives that meet the conditio¬ns of being technically and economically favorable and subsequently to make a final design for the alternative selected.
Raise farmers’ consciousness and train them in proper use of soil and water, and the comparative economic advantages of their respective areas of influence.
Conduct an economic evaluation of the project, to determine its profitability over its life expectancy.
Raise farmers’ awareness to the ecological risks of irrationally using chemicals.
Advising on growing techniques and produce marketing.
Improve post-harvest handling of agricultural produce.
Establish the project’s economic impact by increasing production, employment and household income.
Manu Irrigation Project