Agroecology and poverty alleviation in Bolivia – BEISA3

project summary

The project will strengthen research and human capacity at USFX to support sustainable development in rural areas in Chuquisaca, more specifically in Serranía de Iñao. This region faces increasing problems with deforestation, erosion and depletion of biological resources mostly due to: 1) inappropriate crop cultivation practices leading to abandonment of land and 2) uncontrolled grazing by free-ranging domestic animals. Farmers subsist on income from crop production and animal husbandry supplemented by extraction of natural resources. The challenge local communities are facing is to turn the system biologically and economically sustainable. The BEISA3 research programme at USFX will provide the scientific basis for achieving this goal. The BEISA3 component 1 focuses on diversifying cropping practice to increase productivity and keep land in cultivation for longer time; component 2 focuses on changing existing grazing practices; and component 3 studies the potential of commercialising economically promising natural plant species to generate additional income. Capacity building at all levels is an integrated element of the research project. Courses combined with the research programme will provide research based training of students. The project will adopt a participatory approach involving the local communities in planning and execution. An explicitly formulated communication strategy for BEISA3 ensures participation, dissemination and application of the projects results.