Sustainable Development in the Brazilian Amazon (Lower Tocantins)

Location: 
Municipalities of Cameta, Limoeiro de Ajuru and Oeiras do Para, State of Para, Brazil

Objective:
Begun in 2004 and following a first project that was similar but limited to one municipality, this project focuses on limiting the rural exodus by allowing inhabitants of the Tocantins River region to improve their health and their children's education and to increase and diversify their agricultural activity while respecting the environment.

Actions:

Agro-ecology training and advice
1,500 farmers divided into groups of 20 participate for 18 months in participatory training and experimentation with agro-ecological techniques. They diversify their operations by introducing beekeeping, fish farming and fruit growing and learning how to manage their agricultural operations from a perspective of sustainable development, specifically by using organic fertilizers and replanting trees with it. In each group of peasants, multipliers take over from technicians to continue training/advisory actions and to act as intermediaries between rural communities and public or private institutions that support agricultural families.

Creation of an agriculture school
A rural family home welcomes the sons and daughters of farmers for three years in an alternating plan in which they attain the first cycle educational diploma while receiving agricultural training. 

Training of women in preventive health care and civic responsibility
For 18 months, groups of women have discussions and receive information on the prevention of illness, nutrition, contraception, medicinal plants, gender relations and children’s rights. Women organize themselves and chose representatives to conduct dialogues with public authorities, specifically about public health policies.

Reinforcement of local organizations
Local associations, unions and cooperatives receive training and support to be more effective in carrying out their missions. Rural communities improve their internal organization and create rural sustainable development community councils.

Direct beneficiaries: 1,500 families
Indirect beneficiaries: 7,000 families (35,000 people)

Partners:
- The French NGO Agronomes et Vétérinaires sans frontières,
- The Brazilian NGO APACC,
- The European Commission, the French ministry of foreign affairs, the Lord Michelham of Hellingly Foundation and La Redoute/Redcats Group are funding the project.