TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION OF FAMILY FARMING PRODUCTION SYSTEMS INTHE NGABE-BUGLE

Abstract

The IDIAP executed the Research and Innovation Project on Technological Innovation of Agricultural Production System in the Ngäbe Bugle Reserve (CNB). Through this project, a guiding framework was generated for research and innovation on production systems of family agriculture, institutional capacities of Local Science and Agricultural Technology Systems were developed and strengthened at locations in the CNB. Agri-food systems were designed, implemented and evaluated during four years in a participatory manner that incorporated agroecological technologies through management practices that reduce dependence on external inputs, reuse the generated organic waste and conserve natural resources and local biodiversity to increase food availability and to generate additional revenue. Agri-food systems designed and implemented under this guiding framework incorporated technological innovations such as sanitized native seeds, improved varieties, organic fertilization, gravity-activated drip irrigation, greenhouses built with local materials, planting in rows, and agroecological practices and crop management soil conservation among others, contributed significantly to food security, environmental sustainability and increased family income. After four years of research, in the case of La Esperanza Farm in Hato Horcón, food production was increased to supply familiar caloric needs from 163 days in 2008 to 350 days in 2012, significantly improving their food security and increased gross value of production by 206 per cent.