How Small Producers in Capiibary Are Beating the Drought with Innovation

The Proeza project in Capiibary, located 240 kilometers from Asunción, is transforming family farming in Paraguay amid severe drought conditions. By combining innovative agroforestry methods with traditional practices, the project allows producers to achieve successful harvests even in adverse weather.

Forestry engineer Luis Britos emphasizes the importance of low eucalyptus planting densities, which enable the cultivation of crops like pineapple, corn, and beans, while leveraging the natural shade provided by eucalyptus to reduce water needs. Producers like Ylsa Vera have seen significant success, marketing over 200 boxes of high-quality pineapple along with 500 kilos of corn and beans.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Economy and Finance with support from the Green Climate Fund and FAO, the project offers technical assistance and economic incentives for two years. It integrates native species with eucalyptus and cash crops, enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide.

The success in Capiibary showcases the potential for climate-resilient agriculture through well-planned agroforestry systems, improving incomes while promoting environmental recovery and establishing a replicable model for other rural communities in Paraguay. (Source: RDN)