The context
The project is designed to address the urgent needs of Climate Change mitigation, improved Water management and Zero Hunger in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil. This region is experiencing increasing desertification, severely affecting local ecosystems and the livelihoods of farming communities. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the implementation of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs), the project aims to restore degraded lands, improve food production, and enhance resilience to climate change. Communities in this semi-arid region face significant challenges, such as scarce water resources and food insecurity, exacerbated by prolonged droughts.
The project specifically tackles these issues by introducing water-efficient solutions, such as brackish water irrigation systems. In doing so, it aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change while ensuring sustainable food production (Zero Hunger) and improved water management for both human consumption and agricultural use. The technical training offered to farmers and agricultural students on these Agroforestry Systems will empower them to adapt to the changing climate and enhance food security.
The project is concentrated in six municipalities: Independência, Ipaporanga, Ipueiras, Quiterianópolis, Madalena and Monsenhor Tabosa, all situated in Ceará’s semi-arid zone, where the effects of climate change are already manifest in the form of desertification.
Our intervention
In order to address this situation, we have tailored an intervention that includes climate change mitigation, improved water management and the promotion of food security through sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, our intervention has educational components aimed at improving local knowledge on sustainable agriculture and promoting long-term resilience in the region. From the implementation of our activities, the expected results include:
- Capacity Building for Technical Professionals: twenty agricultural students and technical professionals will receive specialized training in the design, implementation, and management of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) using brackish water irrigation. This training will empower them to provide high-quality technical support to sixteen traditional communities across six municipalities in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil.
- Empowerment of Local Farming Families: sixteen farming families will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for installing and managing SAFs. This hands-on training will enable the establishment of productive SAF units, ensuring both human and animal food security. The adoption of these systems is expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity, thereby enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of these families.
- Increased Food Production for Livestock: the project anticipates an increase of at least 50% in the availability of fodder for cattle, goats, and sheep within these agricultural units. This increase will contribute to reducing livestock loss and provide a vital source of income for the families, fostering economic stability.
- Infrastructure Development: the implementation of sixteen SAF units, covering a total area of 17,600 m², will be supported by the installation of artesian wells to ensure consistent water supply. Each SAF unit will cover an average area of 800 m², optimizing the use of available land and resources.
- Water Security and Sustainable Resource Management: the installation of artesian wells will guarantee essential water availability for the SAFs, ensuring that the agroforestry systems remain operational and sustainable throughout the year, even in the face of unpredictable climate conditions. This water management strategy will contribute to the long-term sustainability and climate resilience of the target communities.