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Asociación Nacional para el Fomento de la Agricultura Ecológica (ANAFAE)

https://redanafae.com

Review by Robert Walle

The following publications form the foundation of Agroecología Práctica and cover similar content as the book Practical Agroecology (Agroecología Práctica; currently in Spanish only). 

Experienced development professionals in Central America filled this book with information, examples, and photos that reflect the dignity of rural life. It details many of the practices proven over time and used by the farmer-based NGO, COSECHA (Asociación de Consejeros para la Agricultura Sostenible, Ecológica y Humana) Consultants for Sustainable, Ecological, and Human Agriculture). Since the early 90s, COSECHA has worked in Honduras and Central America through participatory methods described here, helping many people through the method of “farmer-to-farmer.”

As the title suggests, the book builds solidly on the base of agroecology. It concentrates on agricultural practices with accessible and affordable inputs.

Everyone can apply simple practices, like “not burning,” which are linked with multiple benefits for water resources and health. The authors use food security and sovereignty as starting points to further apply known practices, such as improving planting holes (basins or stations).

Relevant roles for women, men, and youths show many ways to improve rural life, accompanied by community promotors. The book contains fresh insights on crop diversification and commercialization, emphasizing self-sufficiency at the farm, community, and regional levels.

The book offers practical solutions, drawn from lessons learned over time. Effective development processes are exemplified, such as constructive use of criticism and consideration of what people and the authors themselves do as well.

The authors also give considerable attention to the balance between ecosystems and actual agricultural practices, as shown by discussions on the importance of trees. This topic explores the relationship between organic matter and roots, combined with technical knowledge of leguminous, nitrogen-fixing trees (summarized on p. 185), while never forgetting the contribution of trees to the beauty of the landscape.

Sections on water harvesting and storage include examples of water as an integrating element for rural development. The content showcases the fundamental role water plays in agroecology. Water conservation principles are increasingly important to ensure access to water that is consistent in its quality, quantity, and availability. 

The book emphasizes the importance of farmers themselves experimenting in parts of their fields. The process of experimentation and “learning by doing” strengthens interchange of knowledge and practices.

There is a good section on practical demonstrations on family farms in the community, including “internships” with other farmers (not just academics). This reminds us that the training must be practical and illustrative of their own farms and communities. This approach enhances the development of useful extension materials.

Caveats about pesticides and toxic chemical substances in our environment weave throughout the book. The bibliography section is an important research resource for delving into topics further.

This book is for anyone who is working or wishes to work in Central America, undertaking the transitional journey from paternalism to effective, sustainable development. The book is available in print through LITHICOM, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.