The complex, biodiverse Agroforestry Systems based on agroecological principles were implemented across a total area of 16 hectares, designed with 9,000 native and exotic trees spanning 30 different species, and 72,000 cactus pads (palmas) integrated into an irrigation system. The project was subdivided into 60 subprojects, benefiting 60 families across two Quilombola communities: 30 families in the Quilombola Community of Boa Vista do Pixaim and 30 in the Quilombola Community of Fazenda Grande.
The project also included the distribution of 300 goats and the construction of 60 shelters (apriscos). Each family received four female goats and one male goat, all sourced from the Muquém do São Francisco region. A total of 240 female goats and 60 male crossbreeds of the Anglo-Nubian breed were distributed, all in excellent sanitary and nutritional condition, with up to four teeth. The shelters were built in fenced areas of 100 square meters each, with constructed dimensions of 2 x 2.3 meters and a roof height of 2.1 meters. The single-pitch roofs were made of sawn wood and colonial-style tiles. These subprojects were inspired by research from EMBRAPA and materials from the Sustainable Caatinga Program of Humana Brasil, supported by the work plan outlined in Public Call Notice No. 21/2021 SNSH-MDR.
The shelters, with rustic earthen floors, were oriented east-west to ensure animal welfare, providing a sustainable production alternative that prioritizes family farming and local economic development. The implementation of the Agroforestry Systems involved collaborative efforts (mutirões) by the beneficiaries, with technical support from the Humana Brasil team. Each individual subproject included 90 exotic trees and 40 native trees, planted at 3 x 6-meter spacing over an area of approximately 3,000 square meters. The general dimensions of the agroforestry plots were 50 x 40 meters, featuring a drip irrigation system and a 3-meter-high water reservoir base.
The implementation process followed stages including site selection, soil preparation, irrigation system installation, and crop planting. In addition to native and exotic trees, annual crops such as corn, cassava, beans, pumpkins, and watermelons were cultivated. The irrigation system utilized a B4T-710 5.5 HP self-priming motor pump, PEAD pipes (PN50, DN16), and self-compensating drippers spaced 0.20 meters apart, maintaining a pressure range of 15.0 to 40.0 m.c.a and a constant flow rate of 1.6 liters per hour. Irrigation frequency was determined by farmers observing soil moisture, under the supervision of the technical team, and managed using meteorological data with a crop coefficient of 0.9.
The implementation of agroforestry systems, accompanied by continuous technical monitoring and evaluation, extended beyond technical services to support Quilombola communities from the project's inception. It began with the consent of community leaders, who committed to supporting Humana Brasil throughout the execution of activities.
Many lessons were learned during the project’s development in partnership with Quilombola communities. The foremost was the respect and admiration for their historical resilience, valuing their traditions and ancestors while refusing to be mere subjects of study. Training field technicians in Quilombola traditional knowledge proved effective in fostering mutual respect and collaboration among local leaders, technicians, and families. Conducting alignment meetings before engaging beneficiaries was crucial in introducing technicians to the communities, seamlessly overcoming any potential resistance.