Agroflorestería
Agroflorestería

agroforestry

In the Gran Chaco, productive development is inherently linked to the conservation and valorization of native forests. Due to climatic characteristics such as high temperatures and water scarcity, the forest plays a crucial role in the development of local ecosystems, providing inputs and resources for all productive activities in the region. A better state and conservation of the native forest also serve as the primary safeguard against the effects of climate change by reducing food shortages caused by droughts and mitigating floods.

Traditional Chaco agriculture has historically depended on water availability, focusing on small areas during the summer rainy season. Consequently, the primary limitation for its growth and scaling lies in water availability. Various strategies are being developed to enhance water access and expand food production for the local market.

Objectives

How do we do it?
The strategy involves reforesting and enriching the forest with native species, particularly carob trees, by developing management plans that aim at the comprehensive utilization of local resources. Based on community knowledge and market opportunities, a combination of forest cover and crop systems is implemented. This creates agroforestry modules where crops facilitate the growth of carob trees or other fruit trees, maintaining better soil coverage, and benefiting agricultural production through tree cover. This format originates from the experience of indigenous communities that have always combined the two productions, and it develops and scales with the input of agronomic and forestry specialists from the region. Central to this approach are exchanges of experiences with Brazil, especially with the semi-arid region that shares similarities with the Chaco and has developed larger-scale experiences. Production is enhanced with the installation of water cisterns, coupled with strengthening local organizations with tractors for dam construction and rainwater harvesting strategies.
Agroflorestería

Impact

The scope of work in numbers

hectares of native forest reforestation with carob trees
0
organizations formed by 420 producers
0
trinational participation and coordination networks
0
associations comprising 230 carob tree foresters
0
Installation of 1000 water cisterns in communities
0

Projects

Tools for each program

EXPERIENCES, REFLECTIONS, AND KNOWLEDGE

Systematizations documented in publications

Videos

Testimonials from the wilderness

Agroflorestería

Access to Employment

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