3. Migration and Economic Changes in Alto Mayo

In 1990, in 29th May, Alto Mayo, which is this region we are talking at 6.2 Richter scale and has killed about 70 people and injured 1600 and almost 6,000 homes either damaged or destroyed. Later within one year in 1991, again another 6.2 Richter scale have occurred and this is when 40 deaths and 700 injuries and the destruction of 466 homes in Moyobamba and 339 in Rioja affecting so this is all, the Moyobamba and Rioja and Soritor.

In 1990, Alto Mayo experienced a significant earthquake measured at 6.2 on the Richter scale. This devastating event resulted in the loss of 70 lives, injuries to 1600 people, and damage to about 6,000 homes. Just a year later, in 1991, a second earthquake of the same magnitude struck the region, causing further destruction with 40 more deaths and injuries to 700 individuals. This highlights the susceptibility of the area to seismic activity and sets the stage for the subsequent discussions on recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Imagine living in an area prone to severe storms, where each storm results in damage to homes and loss of life. This repetitive cycle of destruction forces communities to reconsider how they build and protect their homes—a similar situation unfolds in Alto Mayo with its earthquake challenges.

So, this is the Alto Mayo region and this has been carried out with the practical action group. A practical action group they does mostly on the recovery process, mainly in the long-term reconstruction rather than the short-term relief. So, how did they account the beneficiaries obviously based on various surveys, various on the feedback from the local residents and the leaders?

The practical action group focused on long-term recovery strategies rather than immediate relief efforts after the earthquakes. They conducted various surveys and gathered feedback from local residents and leaders to identify who the beneficiaries of their recovery efforts would be. This approach ensured that their initiatives were informed by the actual needs of the affected communities, promoting sustainable and effective recovery.

Think of a school after a major flood. Instead of immediately providing food and shelter, the school administration decides to assess what long-term support and rebuilding are necessary for students' future safety. They consult with families to understand their specific situations—this is akin to the practical action group's method in Alto Mayo.

So, at this point of time, when it comes from the architectural aspect of it, so, with all the consultation process with the local leaders and various stakeholders within that region, so they have decided to discard the use of rammed earth and adobe. And they want to promote the quincha timber-frame instead to be as a better earthquake-resistant material.

In collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders, the group decided to move away from traditional building materials like rammed earth and adobe, which were vulnerable to earthquakes. Instead, they introduced the quincha timber-frame construction technique, which is recognized for its better earthquake resistance. This shift represented a strategic response to the identified risks in the region, emphasizing the importance of using materials that enhance safety and resilience.

Imagine if a family decides to upgrade their home after hurricane damage. Instead of rebuilding with traditional materials prone to wind damage, they choose reinforced concrete that can withstand storms. This decision mirrors Alto Mayo’s community choice to use quincha for its enhanced durability.

Now, one is gradually, the drought in North coast of Peru have been consistently occurring and that has caused the affecting the predominant crops like rice and sugar canes which needs more water and also there is, also impact on the water resources and that is where that is one aspect people tend to migrate to other places.

The ongoing drought in the northern coast of Peru negatively impacted water resources and agricultural production, particularly for water-intensive crops like rice and sugar canes. As these crops struggled to thrive, many people from these affected areas chose to migrate to Alto Mayo, where conditions were more favorable for agriculture, presenting an opportunity for economic stability and growth.

Consider a farmer in a drought-stricken area who decides to relocate to a region where water is abundant and farming is viable. This scenario reflects the broader patterns of migration observed between different regions in Peru, particularly as people seek better living conditions.

And considering this conditions, the government has motivated to and encouraged to enhance the production of the feasible cultivated areas. So, that is where they have also promoted certain schemes and they also developed and encouraged the people to work on the possible cultivated areas.

In response to the migration and changes in agricultural conditions, the government initiated various programs aimed at enhancing agricultural production in feasible areas. These initiatives encouraged residents to utilize available land effectively, which ultimately contributed to an increase in cultivated areas from 32,000 hectares in 2003 to 80,000 hectares in 2005, thereby improving the local economy and reducing reliance on imports.

Think of a local government introducing new farming techniques and subsidies to boost local crop production after a series of poor harvests. This is similar to what the Peruvian government did to encourage agriculture in areas affected by drought.

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