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La Guajira, Colombia

Rancheria Dividivi

Indiginous Wayuu communities have been hit hardest by drought in La Guajira  

Waiting for water

Waiting for water

A man from Dividivi waits for the windmill to start working, and pump washing water into his bucket. Wayuu communities throughout La Guajira are struggling to survive 3 years of drought and increasingly scarce supplies of water.

Well water

Well water

A trickle of water finally begins to flow from the well.

Windmill well pump

Windmill well pump

Dividivi village well was installed 50 years ago. Well water salt content continues to increase as the drought continues.

No water

No water

This hose runs from the village well to Abram's family compound. The windmill- operated pump frequently breaks down, according to Abram. No water was flowing this day.

Abram Jose

Abram Jose

53 years old. Resident of Dividivi village, an indigenous Wayuu community.

community water tank

community water tank

In the past, Abram and his family also relied on rain water they stored in this tank. It's barely rained in 3 years. This is supposed to be rainy season in La Guajira; but there are only a couple inches of grimy water at the bottom of this tank.

napping

napping

Abram's younger wife naps with their 2 year old daughter. The Wayuu are a traditionally polygamous culture.

Abram's family

Abram's family

Abram's first wife, and his 2 year-old daughter (from his second wife). Abram has 5 children with his two wives. They live together in the family compound which includes separate sleeping structures and a shared kitchen.

head scarves

head scarves

Wayuu women weave mochilla bags, head scarves and mochila bags, and sell them in tourist areas like nearby Rioacha.

Setting out mochila bags.

Setting out mochila bags.

Abraham's two wives make their crafts together, and share the profits as a family.

Mochilas

Mochilas

Abram's wife rests in the shade under the central village gathering space.

Dividivi Village goat herd

Dividivi Village goat herd

84 goats from the village herd died this year for lack of food and water.

Abram and his herd.

Abram and his herd.

Goats wait eagerly for food.

Abram's goats

Abram's goats

Abram can no longer afford to buy enough hay to feed his goats. He tosses them leaves he pulls from the trees.The family lost their primary source of income when their corn and melon crops died from drought.

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