Technical Analysis and Perceptions of Efficient Water Use in Andean Small Irrigation Systems: A Case Study in Fomeque, Colombia

Abstract

Several studies show the advantages of communitarian irrigation systems. However, in Andean systems water efficiency is seldom considered; this study is the first one to do that, and its objective is to fill this gap. Two types of irrigation systems, formal and semi-formal, are studied in the Andean municipality of Fómeque, Colombia; to do this, quantitative indicators and the users’ perceptions were used. It was found that both systems use water efficiently and it is suggested that it is necessary to articulate the advantages of both formal and semi-formal systems..