The Center for Studies and Promotion Development - DESCO, a peruvian NGO started the terrace rehabilitation project in 1993 to re-establish ancient terracing and irrigation practices that had largely been lost. The project is part of a general integrated development programme. Its overall purpose is to restore the productive capacity of terraced cropland and to generate better living standards in the colca valley. The project has the following specific objectives:
- To increase the productive infrastructure through soil conservation and better use and management of existing water resources
- To increase levels of production
- To stimulate people in soil conservation and land management and
- To encourage and promote relevant local institutions
For implementation, a systematic watershed management approach was introduced. The catchment was considered the basic unit for development planning. Physical and socio-economic baseline studies were carried out. A strong community-based organization, the catchment committee was then founded. This consisted of representatives of major local grassroots organizations (irrigation committee, farmer's community, mother's club etc). Responsibilities, commitments and rules were defined. Committee meetings and land user assemblies were the entities for planning, organisation and execution of project activities. DESCO initiated a process of 'concerted planning' in collaboration with other private and public institutions in caylloma province.
Project stages comprised of
- Project planning
- Baseline studies
- Catchment management plan
- Constitution of the executive committee
- Concerted planning of the district development
- Organisation, execution, technical assistance and follow-up activities.
Land users were required to participate in training courses and in fieldwork to provide local materials and their own tools and to fulfil duties within the organization. Leaders and directors of grassroots organizations were responsible for planning and organisation of activities - implementation, training and follow-up as well as for control and administration of project materials and inputs. The directors were also elected as representatives in the district development councils to participate in the evaluation and monitoring activities of the project.
