In the community of Timboy Tiguasu, an hour and a half from Yacuiba, in the Bolivian Chaco, during 2020, with the impacts of the pandemic and climate change, the population decided to devise an innovation to guarantee the community’s food security and the region.
Then a project of agroecological family gardens arose, with an organic, sustainable production and implemented a drip irrigation system.
A combination that adapts to the Chaco territory, to the conditions of its land and the threats that the climate crisis looms over it.
Two years later, in 2022, the women of two other Yacuiba indigenous communities decided to replicate the experience. All these agroecological production initiatives were implemented by the Center for Regional Studies for the Development of Tarija (CERDET), with the support of the Avina Foundation. Both organizations are part of the Voices for Just Climate Action (VAC) alliance.
This agricultural productive model is led by Guarani women and youth from communities such as Timboy Tiguasu, Tentami and Yeroviarenda. They promote a sustainable alternative for the food sovereignty of their people and region.
Thanks to the work of CERDET, the model is also adopted by the Autonomous Regional Government of the Gran Chaco. From this government entity they plan to replicate the experience in more communities, diversifying and expanding production, including fruit.
“We want the production systems and their results to be known and valued by the media, rural school students in the municipality of Yacuiba, university students and teachers, and local government technicians,” says Ricardo Paita from CERDET.
These production systems involve, for example, efficient harvesting, storage, and distribution of water for agricultural production.
The success of this model, beyond food security or the generation of economic income, is also aimed at revaluing the knowledge of the Guarani people. That is why it adapts so well to the natural context of the Chaco, promoting a rational use of water for organic production.
It is a local solution, based on nature and with a local perspective, to climate change.
For inquiries on this topic, contact:
Marko Carrasco (Avina Foundation): marko.carrasco@avexternos.org
Source: inncontext.net