Water and Ancestrality: Andean Irrigation Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge and Practices

The Sígsig (Azuay-Ecuador) canton records one of the earliest sites of human occupation in the country. From the first settlements, located near strategic water sources for the livelihood of the population, agriculture has played a central role, promoting the development of irrigation systems adapted to the characteristics of the Andean territory, such as staggered terraces, channels and drainage systems. As a result of this development, at present, indigenous and peasant peoples retain ancestral knowledge about water use and care, as well as perceptions and narratives around their relationship with this vital resource. In this context, the present investigation aims to analyze traditional knowledge and practices, as well as prehistoric irrigation infrastructure in the Sígsig canton (Güel parishes, ludo and a cantonal signsig-cabecera), to know how this knowledge and methods promote sustainability in local agriculture. The study area is crossed by two microbasins: the Santa Barbara River and the Ayllón River, which are fundamental for water supply and agricultural development. The methodology that will be used is interdisciplinary, with contributions from agroecology, archeology and ecocritical. In this sense, the method of evaluation of natural resources management systems will be applied through sustainability indicators (MESMIS) supported by geospatial tools, as well as documentary, ethnographic and literary analysis will be used. Finally, this research has as its scope with strategies for sustainable agriculture and guidelines for the protection and value of these irrigation techniques between public and community actors.

21st UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION