Drip irrigation - Nicaragua

The aim of this project is to develop a low cost drip irrigation system to be used in coffee plantations. Through the sustainable use and control of water, we can speed plant growth and achieve better quality crop, including during water stress periods. The project is a public-private partnership between Nestec, ECOM, and 2 US-based NGOs, Rainforest Alliance and IDE.

During this 3-year project (2007-2010), we expect 1,500 small coffee producers to participate.

What is it about?

In practice, coffee plants are generally not irrigated. Recent experiences show that when supplementary irrigation is used during stress periods where soil humidity is low (especially during flowering periods), an increase in productivity, plant growth and quality are achieved.

The purpose of this project is to introduce, implement and monitor low cost drip irrigation systems and integrate this technology as a part of a sustainable, economic, social, and environmentally certified coffee value chain.

Achievements
 
In 2006, a pilot programme with low cost and low pressure systems was introduced in 11 plantations in Nicaragua. The field results that same year showed a significant increase in production of 40-60%, as well as rapid growth in young plants. New plants irrigated produced in 2 years in comparison to 3 years for those plants not irrigated. The same results were confirmed in 2007 and 2008.

Supplementary irrigation is very important during flowering and stress periods, due to the lack of rain. During this critical growth period, a lack of irrigation could have a strong negative impact on coffee performance and quality.

This initiative aims to help producers in the following coffee zones in Nicaragua: Matagalpa, La Dalia, El Cua, Waslala, Wiwili, Jinotega, Ocotal, Carazo, Boaco, and Esteli; in addition to the implementation of other projects in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

In the frame of this project in 2008, 32 drip irrigation systems were installed in Nicaragua and 9 in Honduras.