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Jennifer Dunn
La Guajira, Colombia
Rancheria Dividivi
Indiginous Wayuu communities have been hit hardest by drought in La Guajira
Waiting for waterA 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 waterA trickle of water finally begins to flow from the well. | Windmill well pumpDividivi village well was installed 50 years ago. Well water salt content continues to increase as the drought continues. |
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No waterThis 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 Jose53 years old. Resident of Dividivi village, an indigenous Wayuu community. | community water tankIn 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. |
nappingAbram's younger wife naps with their 2 year old daughter. The Wayuu are a traditionally polygamous culture. | Abram's familyAbram'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 scarvesWayuu women weave mochilla bags, head scarves and mochila bags, and sell them in tourist areas like nearby Rioacha. |
Setting out mochila bags.Abraham's two wives make their crafts together, and share the profits as a family. | MochilasAbram's wife rests in the shade under the central village gathering space. | Dividivi Village goat herd84 goats from the village herd died this year for lack of food and water. |
Abram and his herd.Goats wait eagerly for food. | Abram's goatsAbram 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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