From the sky, they appear as vast, circular patterns etched into the earth, resembling mysterious designs crafted by an otherworldly hand. Yet these formations are not the work of aliens but the revival of an ancient agricultural technique known as Waru Waru, rediscovered by farmers on the Andean plateaus of Puno to battle the mounting challenges of climate change.
Situated on the border of Peru and Bolivia, the Waru Waru—an indigenous Quechua term meaning ‘ridge’—are once again safeguarding potato and quinoa crops, just as they did 2,000 years ago. These raised fields, surrounded by water channels, create a microclimate that protects crops from frost and drought, common occurrences in the high-altitude region.
“It is an agricultural system that lets us face climate change, which has altered the seasons,” said 42-year-old farmer Cesar Cutipa. “It is very beneficial in times of drought and frost.”
Puno, perched on the shores of Lake Titicaca at an elevation of about 3,812 meters above sea level, has seen farmers construct six Waru Waru in nearby flood-prone fields. The technique not only improves soil fertility and moisture retention but also enhances crop yields, offering a sustainable solution to the adverse effects of a changing climate.
As global communities grapple with environmental challenges, the revival of Waru Waru reflects a broader trend of returning to traditional knowledge to find resilience and sustainability. This ancient practice underscores the value of indigenous wisdom in modern agricultural strategies, offering lessons that resonate far beyond the Andean region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
