Prof. Soraide Lozano D., Valerio Mamani E., Dendena B., Bozzia G., Prof. Bocchi S.

Transcription

1 Towards the evaluation of the environmental impact of Fairtrade scheme application: the case of quinoa production system in the Southern Bolivian highland Prof. Soraide Lozano D., Valerio Mamani E., Dendena B., Bozzia G., Prof. Bocchi S. Fair Trade International Symposium 2015 Milan, May 29 th 2015

2 Why quinoa in the Bolivian highlands? Field level: - Increase of demand for quinoa led to the intensification of production - Increase in price (+650% from 2000 to 2008) attracted several producers - Significant changes in crop management: abandonment of crop rotation, reduction of livestock unit, introduction of mechanization, conversion of natural land - Soil degradation and soil fertility reduction receiving much attention: controversial impact of quinoa cultivation on soil fertility Production system level: - Establishment of producer organizations (e.g. CECAOT and ANAPQUI) - Establishment of organic production standards for exports (promoted by ANAPQUI) - Definition of organic and Fair Trade supply lines aimed to the main exporters - Endorsement of environmental standards in the Fairtrade International Scheme with specific reference to quinoa Research questions: Is quinoa cultivation affecting soil fertility in the long run? What is Fairtrade International Scheme s impact on the environment?

3 Project overview Goal Analyze the environmental impact of Fairtrade certification scheme in quinoa production in the Southern Bolivian highland, by focusing on the municipalities of Colcha K, Tomave and Salinas de Garci Mendoza Aim Develop an integrated soil related database supporting a monitoring system for the implementation of environmentally sound agricultural practices in line with Fairtrade standards Design tailored ad hoc measures both at the farm level and producer organization level to promote the sustainability of quinoa production in the long term How Collection and analysis of quali-quantitative data: Soil analysis Interview to quinoa producers Llama manure analysis Literature review

4 Context under investigation

5 Context under investigation Censo Quinuero por la Cámara Nacional de Productores de Quinua,2013

6 Preliminary insight (1) Organic matter Nitrogen ph Phosphorous Soil texture Soil fertility Potassium 70% of soils show a low to moderate soil fertility

7 Preliminary insight (2) Time of application of llama manure (mixed with sheep manure): while preparing soil Pest control with native plants extracts added with diluted manure High variability of chemical analysis (N, P and K content) 25% of producers interviewed have no livestock units

8 Preliminary insight (3) Soil preparation: manual ploughing, animal traction and machinery Sowing: manual sowing, machinery (in lines or in holes) Thinning, depending on plant density and row spacing Manure application while preparing soil before sowing and during the application of natural extracts as bioinsecticides No intercropping Limited crop rotation with potatoes, broad beans and wheat or barley 1-2 years of fallow land following quinoa No irrigation Limited use of living fences Organic pest control (insects, mostly lepidtopterans) native plant extracts Onset of new pests: mildew, due to change in rainfall patterns related to climate change

9 Concluding remarks and way forward - Soil fertility is low due a combination of climatic conditions and management practices - Farmers are aware of the benefits of environmentally sound agricultural practices (e.g. processed manure application, crop rotation) but do not optimize crop and soil management - Fairtrade certification s impact on soil fertility is not yet fully understood due to the lack of long data series at the local level - Soil fertility should be monitored by periodically collecting data on physical, chemical and biological parameters - An integrated soil related database should be launched and updated building on the collaboration of different stakeholders - The implementation of Fairtrade environmental standards could be used for supporting farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices

10 RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Research (GEOLAB) Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali- Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia Università degli Studi di Milano IN COLLABORATION WITH Universidad Autónoma "Tomás Frías" - Potosí, Bolivia ACCRA-CCS, Milano Associazione Chico Mendes Onlus, Milano CONTACTS Bianca Dendena bianca.dendena@gmail.com Gianluca Bozzia - gianluca.bozzia@chicomendes.it Thank you for your kind attention!