Galileo: Integrated Network of School Gardens, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
The Integrated Network of School Gardens "Galileo" project in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, addresses the issues of food security and seasonality in vegetable production.
Context of the story
In the Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, vegetable production is prominent, though it faces climatic challenges, especially in winter. The Integrated Network of School Gardens "Galileo" emerges as an innovative solution, combining bioeconomy, technology, and a social approach to promote horticulture in peri-urban areas. This project, which includes a mobile application to connect and educate the community, aims to scale its model to other municipalities, promoting sustainability and adaptability in response to climate changes and local needs.
Galileo: The Revolution of School Gardens in Santa Cruz
The implemented initiative
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the Integrated Network of School Gardens “Galileo” has been developed as a technological, organizational, and institutional initiative aimed at improving the bioeconomy and food security of local families. The network offers training in horticultural production and marketing, strategically located in 56 municipalities to address climatic and economic challenges. Benefits include technical training, occupational therapy, and income generation, thereby enhancing the quality of life and environmental sustainability of the community.
Bioeconomy and Wellbeing: The Galileo Network of School Gardens
The technological solution
The “Galileo” case presents an effective strategy for addressing food security through technological, organizational, and institutional innovations. This approach combines education and horticultural production, promoting both self-consumption and economic opportunities within the community. Organizing producers and key value chain actors has been crucial. The project is based on a cooperative network of gardens, facilitating collaboration among producers, educators, and communities, which has been essential for its success and replicability. Government support has been vital for the project's implementation and sustainability, evidenced by its expansion to 56 municipalities through close collaboration with local authorities. To replicate this model, establishing strong partnerships between local governments, NGOs, and communities is crucial, as is adapting to different climates and regions through local research and appropriate crop selection. Starting on a small scale allows for model adjustments before broader implementation.
The Galileo Project has been a blessing for me and my family. It has taught us the value of the land, brought us closer together as a family, and improved our quality of life.
Participating countries
BoliviaType of project
Results
The Integrated Network of School Gardens "Galileo" project in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, has improved food security, environmental sustainability, and the community's economic strength. Before the project, vegetable production was geographically limited and faced climatic challenges. Now, a network of gardens distributed across 56 municipalities offers training in sustainable horticultural practices and marketing techniques, increasing access to nutritious food and generating additional income. The project promotes bioeconomy and ecological agriculture, empowering the community and providing therapeutic occupational activities. The implementation of a mobile application has created a more connected community, socially transforming the area. This comprehensive and adaptable approach has significantly impacted various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Relevant data
The Galileo School Gardens Project has benefited numerous families in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Participants have learned to produce vegetables and other crops, as well as marketing techniques and market studies.
Community Transformation and Sustainability: Impact of the Galileo School Gardens Project in Santa Cruz
Participating Organizations
Project Information
