tpo_dossier_action-plan-for-innovation-and-learning_201406

222.7CONTACT:WILLIAM HERNÁNDEZWHERNAND@FECD.ORG.ECWEBSITES:WWW.FECD.ORG.ECWWW.FOCUSING.ECAGROECOLOGICAL VALUES AS BASIS FORDEVELOPMENT (FECD, ECUADOR)Funded by the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP) and other donors, FondoEcuatoriano de Cooperación para el Desarrollo (FECD)works to improve in a sustainable manner the livingconditions of the most vulnerable groups in Ecuador.The work of FECD is based on a method called thepause. The underlying principle of the pause is than oneshould learn to listen to oneself in order to be able tolisten to others. Attentive listening generates respectfulrelationships with the family, the community and theenvironment. The farmers participating in this learningprocess discovered different ways of relating to the soil,water, vegetables and animals.How this process has resulted in a culture ofagroecology was illustrated by the reaction of coffeegrowers to a break-out of rust. Instead of using theagrochemical package offered by the government,they chose to sacrifice one or two harvests and plantednew more resistant varieties. This is an example ofhow agroecology is not only a matter of (technical)knowledge, but needs to be complemented withshared values and environmental awareness.The pause methodology has reduced levels ofviolence in families and farmer cooperatives. Farmershave learnt to plan their activities more thoughtfully. Thishas resulted in higher productivity and has generatedalternative agricultural technologies adding value totheir products.