Growing Diversity - Latin America

TITLE OF EXPERIENCE: Growing biodiversity: the Zambrana, agroforestry development program

AUTHOR: Zambrana Agroforestry Producers' Association–Chucuey  (APA) -  Enda - Caribbean

COUNTRY AND REGION: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Zambrana

ECOLOGICAL ZONE: Insular - Caribbean. Very humid sub-tropical rainforest

ABSTRACT

1,600 small farmers have taken part in the "Zambrana Agroforestry Development Program", generating pioneer information and experiences in the country that have been adopted and replicated by a number of governmental and private institutions in the Dominican Republic. The programs named AGROSIL Phases I, II and III, carried out by the Zambrana Agroforestry Producers' Association –Chuchey (APA) and supported by enda in the Caribbean, have been underway since 1984 and include components such as: multiple use agroforestry, participatory agroforestry research, enrichment of mixed gardens, production of organic vegetables and forages, soil conservation and cultivation of timber trees.

Currently the APA is working on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, covering aspects such as: adaptation tests with 41 species of tropical lumber tree species and forest plantation management, with emphasis on Acacia mangium, a native of Australia. Adaptation tests with more than 60 species of tropical fruit plants. Community medicine program, which has promoted over 60 species of medicinal plants. Processing of lumber and marketing of forest products. Protection of remnants of riparian forests and regeneration of native lumber species. Production and dissemination of native lumber species and development of agroforestry systems. The organizing takes place through a participatory process of planning and follow-up. Field work is led under the direct responsibility of the grass-roots organization promoters.

CONTACT: Click here for updated contact details

Asociación de Productores Agroforestales de Zambrana –Chucuey  (APA):  El Limpio, Zambrana, Cotui. Apartado 3370. Tel: 1-809-2488924 / 3850421, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. E-mail:  sescarraman@hotmail.com

Enda -  Caribe: Apado.3370 Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana. Tel: 1-809 385-0421. Fax: 1-809-385-2359.   E-mail: enda.caribe@codetel.net.do