Agroecological Gardens in Schools in Argentina

In rural southern Tucumán, many families depend on seasonal agricultural work linked to crops such as lemons, sugarcane, and blueberries. When unusually heavy rains and flooding recently affected the region, many families saw their incomes disrupted and rural roads became inaccessible for weeks.

In this context, Primary School No. 288 in Santa Ana continued to be a vital space for 120 children. At school, students not only access education—they also receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks, which are essential for many families facing economic hardship.

Thanks to the support of this project, the school strengthened its agroecological garden as a tool to teach healthy eating habits, environmental care, and teamwork. Part of the harvest also supports the school cafeteria by providing fresh food for students’ daily meals.

Despite ongoing climate challenges, teachers and families remain committed to sustaining this space, adapting the garden to new conditions and showing how rural schools can continue creating opportunities even in difficult circumstances.

Thank you for helping more schools continue cultivating learning and healthy nutrition.

During 2025, the Agroecological Gardens in Schools in Argentina project continued to grow through a strong focus on capacity building for educators. In coordination with INTA and the Ministry of Education of Tucumán, we delivered a comprehensive training program for teachers and school leaders from 65 public schools in southern Tucumán.

These training sessions were designed to strengthen both technical and pedagogical capacities related to agroecological school gardens. Teachers and principals received practical tools, agroecological seeds, and technical guidance to improve garden planning, production, and long-term sustainability. The goal was not only to enhance food production, but also to reinforce the role of school gardens as living classrooms that support learning, nutrition, and community engagement.

The response from the educational community was overwhelmingly positive. Educators highlighted the practical value of the training, the quality of the materials provided, and the importance of having ongoing technical support. Many schools expressed strong interest in continuing to expand their gardens and integrating agroecology more deeply into their educational projects.

Thanks to this coordinated effort, the project reached over 190 teachers and school leaders, impacting more than 7,500 students across 48 localities in the province. Working hand in hand with the provincial Ministry of Education allowed us to scale the initiative, strengthen institutional commitment, and ensure that the project aligns with public education priorities—maximizing its reach and long-term impact.

By combining technical expertise, educational leadership, and strong partnerships, school gardens in Tucumán are becoming sustainable spaces for learning, healthy food production, and community development.