The importance of Agroecology to advance the sustainability of cotton production systems in agricultural schools in Paraguay and in communities of indigenous peoples of Bolivia.

Associated with the concept that sustainable production systems is  the key to reducing the impact on natural resources and thus achieving the SDGs, since 2014 the regional project of Trilateral South-South Cooperation “More Cotton” through FAO, the Government of Brazil represented by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC / MRE) and the Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA) seek to strengthen the cotton sector in the following countries Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.

To achieve the desired progress, the Brazilian Government made available to the initiative the participation of Brazilian Cooperating Institutions (IBCs) recognized for their knowledge and experience in research, public policy, technical assistance, rural extension, marketing and organization of the value chain focused on sustainable agriculture, which  favors the development of the conceptual axes of the project in practice, promoting the use and implementation of sustainable technologies, the creation of strategic public and public-private alliances, social innovation and promotion and development of inclusive markets.

To the rescue of native seeds

In Bolivia’s case the project has two lines of action differentiated by the type of public participating in the actions. Fifty percent of the project involves cotton producing families under the conventional system in traditionally producing areas of this item in the municipality of Pailón, and fifty percent of the remaining actions are carried out with farming families of the Autonomous Government of Charagua, where 6 communities of native peoples are rescuing their cotton production through agri-food production systems. Farmers in Charagua have established agro-ecological productive systems based on the improvement of functional biodiversity, the use of small spaces for cultivation, the rational use of water, the use of organic inputs and endemic cotton seeds, seeking to increase production and preservation of ancestral genetic resources such as beans, corn and now the cultivation of native cotton in a consortium. Beyond the production of cotton and food, there is a commitment to social equity, the financial independence of indigenous family groups, the creation of collective knowledge among women and youth in rural schools, and knowledge about seed rescue , contributions that the More Cotton Project values ​​and strives to achieve.

Florinda Gonzales Alvis, a farmer from the Okita community of Charagua, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, preserves the family cotton culture for more than 40 years , "I didn't think that the cotton of our ancestors could have value, cultivation because it reminds me of my mother and I would like my grandchildren to continue doing it. At least from my plot they can take all the seeds they want ... Multiply, show the young people what we do so they never forget, "he reflects.

In Bolivia, work with the Original Peoples values ​​culture through ancestral techniques and knowledge that rescue, preserve and transmit to new generations an agroecological learning that helps them generate income through a crop of economic, social and environmental value. Currently, 12 families from the Guaraní and Chiquitanas communities are developing pilots with the aim of disseminating agroecology techniques, contributing to food security, rescue and conservation of their natural resources in the context of the More Cotton Project in that country.

Young people in Agricultural Schools

On the other hand, in Paraguay the project has been working with agricultural schools and involves around 500 young people from rural communities who are trained in sustainable techniques for cotton cultivation. The Agricultural School of Villarrica in the department of Guairá was a pioneer in executing its agroecological demonstration technical unit, training 120 young people in family farming in technological innovations and environmentally friendly practices through an integral perspective of the production system that they subsequently share with families and communities.

“In the agricultural school we learn that cotton cultivation is based on job creation and income generation for family farmers. In a small plot we can apply the knowledge acquired about care and responsible management of resources, especially in the use of green manures and natural insecticides for pest control, being able to carry out crop cycles with low associated costs, ”says Natalia Aguilar, second year student of the Villarrica Agricultural School.

This initiative aims to demonstrate to students the importance of proper land management with a focus on conservation through the use of green manures and crop rotation and / or association, which allows increasing the yield and profitability of cotton, lowering production costs and promote strategies for the improvement and preservation of natural resources that benefit crops and people.

The work of agricultural schools is supported by research institutions, rural extension and agricultural education. The actions focus on teaching good practices and working the land, reducing costs and saving on chemicals and other inputs necessary for cultivation that reduce the impact, preserve natural resources and offer greater opportunities to families in impoverished territories.

The project promotes sustainable and inclusive productive systems with greater participation in gender equality, with decentralized governance and adaptive management of local food systems, contributing to reduce poverty and achieve social development and environmental sustainability by creating opportunities for new generations.

The joint work between different actors and with a multisectoral perspective can have a catalytic effect on the empowerment and expansion in the agroecological scale of the production systems of rural communities so that the health of the planet and of people thrives.