Alternative Agroforestry Techniques, Analog Forestry, Agro Ecological Gardens and Greenhouses - Ecuador

The project aims to enforce the resilience of ecosystems and local economies in the face of climate change impacts through the implementation of activities that show costs and benefits of climate change adaptation in the community of Parroquia de Papallacta, Ecuador.

Fast facts:

Implementation of 100 agro –ecological orchards.
Implementation of 3 forest nurseries inside the Parroquia de Papallacta community.
Construction of 21 family greenhouses at a micro level in the area of Valle del Tambo and one in the Educational Unit of Papallacta.
150 women from the rural communities of Parroquia de Papallacta were benefited.

The problem

The impacts of climate change are hurting communities in Ecuador, both physically and economically.
In addition to health problems, many communities in developing countries face a fuel-wood shortage due to high demand resulting in the massive felling of trees, which is driving deforestation and causing desertification to spread.

The solution
Women are part of the local research committees with farmers to track the implementation of adaptation measures, training them and including them in the construction of greenhouses, and gaining recognition.

Different climate adaptation practices were enforced in the orchards, especially against frost, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Analog forestry and agroforestry practices included actions to protect water sources along riverbanks, forest enhancement, formation of boundaries with native plants, construction of living barriers in home gardens and forest patches connectivity.

Grazing systems and reforestation actions in areas at risk of landslides and on river banks have been implemented.

Helping the planet

With the recognition of different roles of women in the implementation phase of adaptation measures, gender equality was promoted.

Climate adaptation practices help the community to be resilient to the economic and social impacts of climate change.

Helping people

The project was implemented with the predominant participation of women, which helped with the organizational strengthening and promoted women’s leadership, including training, technical assistance, inputs and tools.

Scaling up

The project can be replied in communities with similar social, environmental, topographic conditions, similar land use rights and life style as the Parroquia de Papallacta community. In Ecuador and all Latin America there are many Andean zones with common characteristics of the intervention zone, where the project can be replied.
The best way of a successful implementation of these measures is to include them on the programs and projects at a national level, in the National Development Plans and Land Use Planning of the decentralized autonomous governments.