Abstract

GALINDO MONTERO, Andrés; PEREZ MONTIEL, Jhonny  and  ROJANO ALVARADO, Roberto. MEASURES OF ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN AN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN COLOMBIA. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2017, vol.20, n.1, pp.187-197. ISSN 0123-4226.

The high water scarcity affecting the indigenous populations of the department of La Guajira, in northern Colombia, makes them vulnerable to climate change and threatens their livelihoods. Through this research, a climate change adaptation model was implemented in an indigenous community composed of 23 families and 120 children from an educational institution. The methodology of community-based adaptation (AbC) and participatory rural assessment were developed on key factors such as hygienic habits, water use and exploitation, and food subsistence, where a demonstration plot was evaluated with different irrigation systems. Water quality was evaluated in the supply and distribution systems through the Risk Index of Water for Human Consumption (IRCA). A solar photovoltaic system was installed for solar pumping and windmill. The results showed that 88% of the community consumes less than 50 L/person*day, a lower amount than that recommended by the WHO (50 to 100 L/person*day), to meet the vital needs. The IRCA recorded values of 0.0, except in a sample taken at the collection site with a value of 7.21 due to the presence of total coliforms. The solar-powered drip irrigation system was more efficient allowing water saving and the photovoltaic system was viable for the water supply. The community appropriated this technology aware of the impact of climate change and the need to take action for its mitigation and adaptation.

Keywords : Climate change; indigenous community; water quality; photovoltaic system.

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