Learning and Unlearning Go Hand in Hand
It was easy for Rafael to make the decision to join the program and start to unlearn what his father had taught him about farming: he had only to look around him. On the land where his father had employed slash-and-burn practices and plenty of chemical fertilizers to get good yields, the techniques no longer worked because of a changing climate, soil depletion and lack of water. He’s come to realize that the old ways actually threatened health and the environment, so he’s shown a great commitment to learning whatever conservation-farming technologies local partner Sembrandopaz has to offer.
He’s lived in the community more than forty years, and is proud to be a farmer. Nowadays he’s growing crops with organic fertilizers and pesticides he crafts himself. He’s practicing something called homeopathic pest management. With the installation of a biodigester he’s using the gases from his cattle manure to cook, mitigating the greenhouse effect of manure left in the open air. He no longer has to cut down trees for firewood in order to cook. This slows deforestation and protects the soil from erosion. Composting fallen leaves also helps to improve soil fertility. Now that he doesn’t have to keep firewood on hand, he no longer has to figure out how to keep the wood dry when it rains – previously a constant worry.
With enthusiasm and passion, Rafael conducts trials on his land and analyzes which new practices are best suited for his needs. He’s developing a broad store of practical knowledge about what works. And he’s changed his perspective on agriculture to include caring for the environment and the future generations who will work this land.
Rafael says he’s grateful to be able to participate in the program and blesses all those who support and contribute to the development of this initiative.
Colombia Sincelejo Montes de María Program
Led by Mennonite Central Committee and Local Partner Sembrandopaz