Making the Invisible Visible

Carolina Pittella – Project Manager at Agua Segura

When it comes to water projects in rural areas, the challenge isn’t so much about the “what” but the “how.” In my experience, understanding the community and the local water resources is the first and most critical step to developing an effective action plan. Listening to people, learning about their customs and needs allows us to create realistic, sustainable projects that truly make a difference in their lives.

I always start by involving local teams as key partners in the process. They are the first to point out the limitations and challenges we’ll need to tackle. Although it can seem overwhelming at first, this is when the right questions emerge, and the true scope of the project begins to take shape. These teams have an unmatched understanding of the local climate, the best times to work, the local suppliers, and the logistics—like road conditions and costs—that can make or break a project. Paying attention to these factors can significantly improve the project’s success and optimize resources.

Along with local teams, foundations that have been working in the area for years are invaluable partners. Not only do they understand the community’s specific needs, but they also help facilitate initial contacts and adjust the project’s scope when necessary. Building strong relationships with these foundations opens doors to faster and more efficient solutions. Entering a community with a trusted local partner by your side makes it easier to navigate future challenges.

Another crucial element in planning is choosing the right communication channel for each team. Not everyone communicates or processes information the same way. Figuring out whether a call, video call, message, or email is the best option helps keep the workflow efficient and effective. It’s also important to adjust communication frequency based on everyone’s availability, and when needed, to make in-person visits to strengthen relationships and ensure the project stays on track.

Ultimately, a project in a rural community will only succeed if we truly understand the local context and build strong partnerships with those who know the area best. In this way, teamwork becomes the key to bringing safe water to those who need it most.

Esther Camacho Guerrero – Director of the Regenera Bajío Program, Nuup.

In Mexico, as in many other countries, the agricultural sector is one of the largest water consumers, accounting for 67.52% of total water use. This makes sustainable water management essential to ensure food security and preserve the country’s water resources.

Currently, small-scale agriculture, which covers almost 72% of the territory, predominantly relies on gravity irrigation systems (also known as furrow or flood irrigation), which have low efficiency rates, ranging between 20% and 40%. Through our fieldwork with farmers, we’ve demonstrated that it is possible to increase these efficiencies up to 80%, with an effective cost-benefit ratio.

The optimization of irrigation in agriculture largely depends on the human factor, which is key to achieving significant and sustainable long-term water savings. Collaboration between technical knowledge and the farmer’s experience is crucial: while scientific tools and methods provide technical solutions, their effective implementation depends on the farmer’s commitment and ability to adapt these solutions to local conditions.

Aware of the unique characteristics of Mexican farmlands, we have developed an intervention framework focused on improving irrigation efficiencies by providing personalized technical advice to each farmer. This individualized approach allows us to deeply understand the initial conditions, such as the specific characteristics of the land, the available irrigation infrastructure, and the specific needs of the crops. In this way, we can propose tailored improvements that not only increase irrigation efficiency and reduce water consumption, especially groundwater, but also prevent pests and diseases and improve crop yields.

The methodology starts by thoroughly understanding the farmers’ usual irrigation practices: how, how much, and when do they irrigate? Why do they do it that way? This analysis, along with field measurements, allows us to offer customized recommendations that optimize irrigation within their plots.

After more than two years of close work with farmers, we’ve noticed that many still follow habits passed down through generations, which are not always the most appropriate for sustainable resource management. Changing these habits is not easy, which is why establishing trust from the outset is essential. We encourage active farmer participation throughout the process, considering their input on proposed improvements, assisting them with implementation, and supporting them in recording field data. Moreover, we seek complementary resources to improve irrigation infrastructure and offer comprehensive advice that goes beyond efficient water use, also addressing productive and commercial aspects.

Another key aspect of our methodology is returning the information collected during each production cycle to the farmers, enabling them to observe and analyze the benefits and impacts of improved irrigation practices. This not only promotes greater awareness of responsible water use but also improves decision-making in their irrigation units, empowering farmers to take responsibility for their limited resources.

We are convinced that education and awareness in the communities where we implement our projects are crucial to addressing water stress. Through group workshops, we provide updated information on water challenges, best practices for efficient use, and farmers’ rights and responsibilities. This fosters deeper reflection on the environmental consequences of conventional agriculture, promoting a sustainable approach tailored to current challenges.

Gisella Djenderedjian – General Manager of Dvigi.

Access to safe drinking water remains a crucial global challenge. More than 2.2 billion people lack access to clean water, which has devastating consequences, especially in rural communities. According to the World Health Organization, over 485,000 people die each year from diarrheal diseases linked to contaminated water consumption. The lack of potable water particularly affects women and children, who are often responsible for collecting water in many regions. This task not only exposes them to physical risks and health issues but also takes away educational and employment opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.

In response to this reality, technology has become a key tool in improving access to safe water. Ultrafiltration systems have proven to be an effective and accessible solution, capable of removing bacteria, viruses, and sediments from water, providing a reliable source of drinking water. These filters are easy to install and maintain, making them ideal for areas where water infrastructure is limited or non-existent. Gisella Djenderedjian, General Manager of Dvigi, highlights the effectiveness of these systems: ‘Our purifiers combine ultrafiltration technology with activated carbon and sediment filters, removing impurities and improving the taste of water while retaining essential minerals. We want to be part of the solution to the global water crisis by offering technology that positively impacts people’s health and well-being.’

Beyond their efficiency, these filters are a sustainable option. ‘Our commitment is to improve the quality of life in regions that need it most, using sustainable technology to transform water access,’ Djenderedjian adds. At Agua Segura, we work to implement these systems in rural communities, where they provide an efficient and economical solution for access to safe drinking water. At the same time, we conduct awareness workshops in vulnerable areas, promoting the importance of hygiene habits and proper use of these filters, ensuring their durability and long-term effectiveness. With each project, we not only improve the health and well-being of individuals but also help create opportunities for development and empowerment in the most underserved communities.