Albarradas:

relevance of ancestral knowledge vs thecoloniality of developmentalism

Abstract

In the areas dominated by the “tropical dry forest”, on the

Pacific Coast of Ecuador and North of Peru, traditional hy-
draulic systems known as “albarradas”, artificial water reser-
voirs, have been built and maintained for 3,500 years. They

have allowed water supply in areas that are lacking it almost

all year round. The communities are responsible for the ap-
plication of specific techniques, the construction and mainte-
nance of walls and drains, and for the water quality biocontrol

mechanisms. Thus comunities are supplied with water and re-
produce local agrobiodiversity. They are the fundamental sup-
port for the social, economic and environmental reproduction

of the population. The advance of industrial undertakings and

the presence of “multimodal” projects, together with land grab-
bing and the change of ownership, constitute severe threats to

a strategic system for peasant life.

Keywords: water; ancestral knowledge; peasant comunities;
development.