Waru Waru is like a special kind of farm that is built on top of the water. It is a way of growing crops in a smart way that saves water, and makes sure that the plants get plenty to drink.
At Waru Waru, farmers dig long, narrow canals in the ground and pile up dirt on the sides to make little walls. They also build small islands of dirt in the water that are connected by bridges made of wood, straw, or grass. These little islands are called "inca platforms".
The farmers fill the channels and the inca platforms with water, which comes from nearby rivers, canals, or wells. The water that fills Waru Waru is called "gray water" because it is used water that can no longer be used for drinking.
Once the water is in place, the farmers can start planting. They place seeds or seedlings on top of the inca platforms or in the channels. The plants grow in the water, which provides them with plenty of moisture and nutrients.
Because Waru Waru uses a lot less water than traditional farming, it is a great way to farm in regions that have limited water resources or suffer from drought. Plus, Waru Waru can reduce the risk of crop loss due to flooding because the water is directed to where it is needed most.