This project will teach low income urban agricultural families in Cartagena how to grow native tree species. We aim to raise awareness about the threatened Tropical dry forest ecosystem while generating income opportunities for poor families. We will focus on involving family members, especially youth, of established "productive patio producers" to transfer agricultural knowledge from one generation to another.
The Tropical dryforest is one of the most threatened ecosystems of Colombia and reduction of it results in loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and loss of ecosystem services. Raising awareness of this important ecosystem is essential to counteract environmental damage. Urban agriculture has helped many poor families in Rafael Nunez, Cartagena, to generate income. However, these projects are focused on the older generation and need to be complemented by environmental education efforts.
This project will teach family members (especially youth) of 15 urban agriculture producers, how to grow native tree species and raise awareness about the Tropical dryforest ecosystem in general. This will be done through training in running a tree nursery; installing a component of cultivating native tree species in 15 existing productive patios; and educational excursions to learn about the flora and fauna of the region.
This project will raise awareness of the threatened Tropical dryforest ecosystem. It will also help generate income for 15 poor families through future sales of native trees and ornamental plants. Additionally, we will promote the transfer of agricultural knowledge from the older generation to the younger.
