Centre for research on sustainable agricultural production systems - CIPAV

The CIPAV Foundation is a Colombian NGO founded in1986. The projects and programs on which it focuses are alternative agricultural production systems. In these systems we promote the efficient and sustainable utilization of the available human and natural resources, which are in harmony with the environment. CIPAV´s mission statement is:

• To do research directed to the design and validation of appropriate agricultural technologies relevant to the resources of the tropics with an emphasis on the use of sugar cane, forage trees, aquatic plants and agricultural by-products
  
  
• To teach professionals, producers and small farmers in these proposed technologies, using the human and technical resources already in the region.
  
  
• To publish and transfer widely these appropriate technologies between the producers, entities and organizations of the sector.
  
  

Our researchers and a network of small farmers (campesinos) and rural entrepreneurs have designed and implemented a wide array of innovative technologies and agricultural practices based on the efficient use of local resources, energy and manual labour. This network embraces approximately 1000 professionals and 2500 small farmers who have received training and disseminate the technologies and ideas in farms, enterprises, universities, governmental and non governmental organizations in several countries (see the maps of national and international links). All research activities are performed in real farming systems with the participation of farmers and their families. Empirical and scientific knowledge are combined to provide solutions to specific needs or expectations of landowners. Although researchers increase the number of options available, decisions are finally made by the farmers. Community level organization has been a by-product rather than a deliberate aim of CIPAV's institutional intervention.

Principles

Our experience in a wide array of ecosystems and social conditions can be summarized in a strategy for sustainable farming systems in tropical humid America, based on the following principles:

• Closed nutrient cycles within the farming systems. Conservation and efficient recycling of organic matter are strongly emphasized. Mixed perennial crops are preferred to short cycle crops and monocultures. Trees are incorporated in all farming sub-systems, from horticulture to cattle raising.
  
  
• Increase in biomass production. High productivity fodder and human food crops gradually replace pastures. Crop residues are used to protect soils from rapid water runoff and to improve soil structure.
  
  
• Biodiversity within farming systems. Structural and taxonomic plant diversity is promoted in agroecosystems as a means to increase the combined production of crops and stimulate biological control of agricultural pests. Multi-layered vegetation (small plants, shrubs and trees) also contributes to soil stabilization while supporting diverse arthropods and birds.
  
  
• Reduction of external inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers and commercial animal feeds. Inputs are gradually replaced with local resources, thus reducing production costs and environmental impacts.
  
  
• Efficient use, recycling and de-contamination of water resources through biological means in individual farms. Biodigesters and aquatic plants cultivated in small channels are used to remove organic pollution, providing green manure, fertile mud and animal feed as useful by-products.
  
  
• Low financial costs of agricultural activities, minimum dependence on credit and wide use of manual labour (family, local and regional).
  
  
• Reduction of the effective area required by farming activities. With the intensification of agriculture and livestock production in smaller areas, fragile lands are restored to conservation or recovery of natural ecosystems.
  
  
• Strengthening family food security and local markets.
  
  
• Use of renewable energy (biogas, animal traction, firewood) and low dependence on fossil fuels.
  
  
• Efficient integration of plant and animal production (fodder and the use of manure).
  
  

Research is carried out mainly in the following areas: water resources, agroforestry systems, livestock production, energy, soils and system analysis (see CIPAV´s research programme and list of publications).