Technology and innovation for small-scale producers

Executive Summary

The project constitutes a regional experiment to validate and enrich experiences in participatory research with small farmers. Producers are the central axis in all processes, from prioritization, formulation of problems to be solved, design of strategies and capacities to be strengthened, all with the support of the research entities. The key objective has been to encourage innovations in small farm communities through the development, adjustment and exchange of participatory technologies and methodologies that contribute to improving their quality of life. 

Activities included processes of innovation in banana production systems in Ecuador and Colombia, papaya in Peru, vegetables in Venezuela and potato in Bolivia. Among the lessons learned are: 

•  The exchange of experiences allows for a significant flow of knowledge and mutual support. 
•  Interdisciplinary work is essential to achieve the expected results and impacts. 
• To strengthen families' reasoning and decision-making skills, a number of specific capacities must be part of the exchange and training activities: observation, information recording, analysis, identification and adjustment of objectives and evaluation. 
• The use of participatory research and innovation methodologies encourages small producers to learn and experiment with new production alternatives. 

The technological solution

The technological solution of this Project is based on processes guided by nature: development, evaluation and scaling within the communities of new environmentally friendly production options, in particular biocontrollers, biofertilizers, biofungicides and biopesticides. These actions were complemented by training and exchanges of knowledge and experiences on how to manage the production, storage and distribution of new products, that is, the development of small-scale business skills. Last but not least, the work to produce and distribute quality and clean seed in the communities needs to be highlighted. 

Results

Beneficiaries

The Project directly involved a total of 389 producers and their families in all processes, including definition of limiting factors, establishment of priorities, objectives and activities, analysis and conclusions derived from the various initiatives. Indirectly, other beneficiaries, such as local authorities, technicians and professionals from different organizations, were exposed to new approaches and knowledge. 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors