Jequetepeque river’s rice bloom
Satellite view of La Libertad dep., Peru
Fields have suddenly taken up a green livery in January 2024 as rice crops started to thrive along the Jequetepeque river in Northern Peru. The cereal accounts for 70% of the region’s harvested area, located in La Libertad department and irrigated by Andean waters.
Jequetepeque river and irrigation
Local ancient cultures had already learnt to tame these downhill streams for cultivation benefits thousands of years ago. This sophisticated water management knowledge culminated with the Moche culture, from 200 to 850 AD. Diverting rivers and using water reservoirs, they managed to turn this arid land into a lush farming territory with abundant production.
The collapse of the Moche culture is thought to have been partly caused by a disruptive climatic event described as a “super El Niño” episode. This resulted in thirty years of intense rain, followed by thirty years of drought that inevitably exhausted the water-intensive cultures of the region.
Nimbo Earth Online with modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2023-2024)