Agroforestry is developing so well that many small farmer families have joined us or are on the waiting list for an allotment. The work started with a pilot project of 50 families and continues with 50 new families.
The land belongs to our association, and the project, initiated three years ago, consists of lending a free allotment for life to landless families who want to plant their own food. The local tradition is that the town hall rents a piece of land from a large landowner to make it available to landless farmers. However, this situation is precarious because the families have no security or vision for the future. The owner or the mayor can change their mind at any time, which leads to the interruption of the project. For this reason, our association has acquired this land.
The plan is to build a small tool shed for each family.
Initially, families prioritized seasonal market gardening to avoid the risks associated with intense droughts that can occur at any time and last for several months.
Fortunately, no severe drought has occurred in the last three years, and crops have been abundant. These vegetables were very popular during the year of the pandemic, as shipments from neighboring states were completely cut off.
This pilot project was implemented in Quebrangulo, Alagoas, on the edge of the Biological Reserve of Pedra Talhada, and we hope it can spread to nearby villages.
