IRRIGaTE

Our Organization

Water Resources Research Center - University of Arizona

What is the name of your solution?

IRRIGaTE

Provide a one-line summary of your solution.

Building a bridge of understanding and communication between tribes, cities and the State of Arizona on irrigation policy.

What specific problem are you solving?

The specific problem we are addressing is the lack of proper communication and resources for all Arizona farmers, but specifically Native American farmers. Agriculture in Arizona is one of the leading contributors to the state’s economy. Arizona has the largest concentration of Native farms anywhere in the US, with almost half of the farmers and ranchers being Native American (Allen, 2020).  Despite the huge contribution Native American farmers add to the State’s agriculture industry, Native farmers are seldom addressed when making agriculture policies, especially when relating to irrigation waters. Recently, in an Arizona water council meeting, tensions grew about unresolved tribal water claims among the tribal leaders in Arizona. Following the council meeting, there was many misconceptions from all sides about agriculture water and policy.

While there is a long-standing history of friction between tribal governments and non-tribal governments, our solution is not about solving animosity between the two, rather on providing needed information to the people these policies are affecting, the farmers. Many times, both Native and Non-Native farmers do not realize there are many resources for them to help through these trying drought times. While farmers are generally self-sufficient and have since become their own veterinarians, soil scientist, bookkeeper, agronomist, water quality specialist, they should not have to add policy and science communicator, which is why our solution will help solve troubles. 

What is your solution?

Our solution is to develop a program starting with a multimedia website. Our program is called IRRIGaTe, Irrigation Resources Reaching Indigenous Growers and Tribal entities. Many times, what is missing in communication is understanding. Hearing what one says verses understanding is two different concepts, and we aim at providing understanding. Using the Universal Design Learning, we plan on taking policies and making it easier to comprehend though flow-charts, diagrams, videos, podcasts, interviews and imagery. The three steps listed below explain our solution.

• Provide means of representation – As Native American farmers and ranchers represent over half Arizona’s industry, there is no representation. Working on showing Native representation through images and diagrams will aid in developing relationships and communicating with tribes. In addition, we will be working on our wording, text and even translations into some of tribes’ languages. We want to make sure that our material would be appropriate for all comprehensions, in many different formats.
• Provide means of action & expression – Video and short clips on how to do some of the policies, such as water quality monitoring, would be the next step in our solution. Sometimes working in rural areas, it can be hard to understand how/why water quality monitoring is important and these videos will be a resource for farmers.
• Provide means of engagement – In person classes and trainings would be ideal in our final step. We want to take what the community is asking of us and tailor it to their specific needs. For example, sometimes dry-land farming can be easier to comprehend when actively out in the field understanding how the roots adapt to only getting watered 2-3 times a season.

The solution will be done once we establish a multimedia website, rather we are building trust, communication and understanding to ultimately help our goal of providing Arizona farmers with easy-to-use irrigation resources. 

Strong preference will be given to Native-led solutions that directly benefit and are located within the Indigenous communities. Which community(s) does your solution benefit? In what ways will your solution benefit this community?

Our program is directed towards the 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona, but also rural and small farmers regardless of their ethnicity. 

How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?

The Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA is suited to address this problem because of the long-established contacts with many water policy officials. Additionally, the University of Arizona has established itself as a premiere tier one university with the commitment to respect Indigenous tribes, “We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O'odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.”

  The reason I am leading, and I feel that I am the right person for this solution is I, myself am from the Navajo Nation. I come from a long line of farmers who struggled finding the right resources and understanding of policy that ultimately ended by my parents selling the farm. I understand the day-to-day struggle of farming, and I strive to make things easier on the agriculture sector. In addition, I have worked with Arizona tribes in the past on developing culturally significant food safety practices which was well received. While I am in Southern Arizona, I am used to travel and through on-line meetings, communicating and discussing problems with tribes has become easier. The thought for this solution came from the farmers, at the recent Southwest Indian Agriculture Association, Inc. annual meeting, many of the farmers were saying that they wished they had a small booklet or better information on the policies. While I am expanding on that idea, I tend to acknowledge and consider all suggestions, ideas and thoughts made by the community. 

Where our solution team is headquartered or located:

Our solution's stage of development:

How many people does your solution currently serve?

8500-10000

Why are you applying to Solve?

We believe we have a simple but effective idea that could help thousands  of farmers. In addition we think we think SOLVE would help us because we want to have an established plan before making long term solutions. 

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?

• Financial (e.g. improving accounting practices, pitching to investors)
• Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design, data analysis, etc.)

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Dr. Valerisa Joe-Gaddy

Please indicate the tribal affiliation of your Team Lead.

Navajo Nation

Is the Team Lead a resident of the United States?

Yes

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Drive positive outcomes for Native learners of any or all ages while supporting culturally grounded educational opportunities on and/or off reservations.