Implementation of agro-ecological family orchards, an opportunity for women in Dominican Republic

Abstract

Agroecological family gardens are agricultural practices known throughout the world for their socioeconomic and environmental contributions.  In Cuba, they are conducted through Urban Agriculture and the Local Agricultural Innovation Project (PIAL, according its acronyms in Spanish) of the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA). On this basis, INCA, together with Nicolás Guillén Foundation, established links with the Ministry of Women, in Dominican Republic, to implement this experience in three of its provinces, to offer opportunities to women in vulnerable localities, due to the low economic income they have, and to strengthen ecological production and local Food Sovereignty. These actions are in line with the mitigation of climate change effects, sustainability and gender equity. The following methodology was applied: (i) Participatory Rapid Rural Visual Appraisal, with a gender focus; (ii) capacity building linked to knowledge management; and (iii) implementation of highly diverse vegetable gardens in each locality. On the basis of female volunteering, 12 work zones were implemented with 35 vegetable gardens under execution, with the participation of 42 women, 29 % of whom were under 35 years of age. The work raised the cognitive level and self-esteem of the women, as they learned and applied agroecological techniques. They learned about and increased the dominant biodiversity, which is useful for the family and the community. The experience offered the opportunity to incorporate women to work that achieved economic income, in addition to favoring the quality of family life, accompanied by social recognition with the strengthening of the environmental dimension.