Deforestation, Coffee Cultivation, and Land Degradation ... - lumes

Already forest conservation laws go unheeded, and farmers will continue to clear the forestso long as their livelihoods demand it. The pressure for increased production on rapidlydegrading land forces farmers to push their resources to the maximum. In response to theirneeds a locally based action plan is necessary in order to solve the problems at their root. Thisreport suggests a land management strategy involving improved land management and soilconservation techniques, diversified production and the development of alternative markets,and continued forest conservation and community education. Such a plan for sustainabledevelopment is underway at Iracambi—whose approach is to make the conservation of theMata Atlântica more attractive than its destruction.6.1 Suggested Areas for Further ResearchAs a result of the work and research conducted with Iracambi, the followingrecommendations have been made for further research needed within the organization and inRosário da Limeira:• Specific research into the opportunities for the diversification of production within thearea and the means for such production. Areas of special concern include methods ofobtaining credit for farmers through non-governmental assistance domestically andinternationally; and the methods of further infrastructure development such asdevelopment of farmers’ cooperatives (for products other than coffee).• Examination of the effectiveness of various participatory programs in regards to increasesin productivity for the region. This would include a thorough look at the work of theRural Farmers’ Union, EMATER, the University of Vicosa, and Iracambi. Whichmethods are most effective? How can methods be improved and adapted to compensatethe needs of the area?• An area-specific look at the relationships between soil erosion, land degradation, anddecreasing yields and land value for the region. This could involve a comparative analysisof other regions of Brazil and Latin America with similar environmental, agricultural, andphysical characteristics. A cost-benefit analysis of soil conservation and resultant yieldappraisals, in cooperation with participatory rural appraisal techniques, would bevaluable.• Methods for forest conservation, reforestation, and development of forest corridors to linkforest islands. This could possibly involve a detailed look at a reward-based system forencouraging forest conservation efforts (establishment of RPPN’s) both publicly andprivately. One example would be the steps necessary for a conservation program thatwould “buy up” land that has lost profitability through land degradation.• Further research into agroforestry, ecotourism, and other “forest friendly” activities thatwould promote forest conservation while providing an income to small-scale farmers.33