1. Introduction & Context
El Negrito is a small, isolated rural community in northwest Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The nearest town is 60 km away, and access is only possible via unpaved, often impassable roads. The village has around 50 residents in 12 homes, relying mainly on timber production and small-scale livestock farming. The semi-arid climate, with a six-month dry season, together with naturally high arsenic and salt levels in the groundwater, made water access a critical concern. Existing rainwater collection systems were often insufficient or in poor condition, leaving families with limited drinking water during droughts. Livestock and daily water needs could not be met reliably. In extreme shortages, families were forced to buy water or travel long distances with animals to find water sources.
2. Project Goal
The project aimed to provide reliable access to clean water for all residents, ensuring a minimum of 20 liters per person per day for drinking and additional water for household and livestock use. It also sought to promote sustainable water use practices and community-led solutions. Engaging residents in the planning, construction, and maintenance of water systems was a key goal, ensuring long-term ownership and resilience of the water supply.
3. Approach & Technical Solution
The project was implemented in three phases. The first phase expanded existing rainwater collection systems and storage tanks to secure 20 liters per person per day for drinking. Roofs were adapted, gutters reinforced, and concrete cisterns installed to increase storage. The second phase focused on household and livestock water. Water from nearby dams was pumped through simple pipelines to community storage tanks, providing 30 liters per person per day for domestic use and 5,000 liters daily for livestock. Basic filtration and dam waterproofing ensured water quality. In the third phase, small vegetable gardens were introduced, supported by drip irrigation systems. Workshops at the local school trained residents in sustainable water use and garden management. IngOG+ provided technical advice, monitoring, and community workshops to ensure long-term usability and local ownership.
4. Lessons Learnt & Impact
The project significantly improved water availability for El Negrito residents. Families gained reliable access to clean drinking water and sufficient water for daily use and livestock. Community involvement in construction and training strengthened ownership and long-term maintenance. Drip irrigation and small-scale gardening created opportunities for food production and diversification, reducing dependence on external water sources. Collaboration between ISF-Argentina, IngOG+, and Pepperdine University built technical capacity and knowledge transfer. The project demonstrated how community-led, context-adapted water solutions can improve resilience, health, and livelihoods in remote rural areas. It also laid the foundation for sustainable water management practices and future development initiatives in El Negrito and surrounding regions.
