Getting prepared for the fertilization campaign...
After almost a year of evaluation, diagnosis and technical design of an improved fertilization package, this Q3 2021 was crucial for the preparation of the fertilization campaign that will start in November - key activity in order to reach our objective to improve farms productivity. With the main harvest behind us, we could focus our energy on fine-tuning the complex logistics behind the implementation of this campaign.
Despite a challenging context here in Peru, where we face a nationwide scarcity of organic certified fertilizers, and the increase in the cost of some primary inputs (worsen by the devaluation of the Peruvian Sol versus the US Dollar), the CoopACCC is ready to launch its campaign. We designed customized fertilizations plans for 37 farmers and will cover 82,9 ha of cacao plantations.
First production of liquid biofertilizers and capacity training
Earlier this year we proudly announced the inauguration of a brand new biofertilizers production facility in the community of Pucallpillo, allowing the CoopACCC technical staff to locally produce and distribute organic liquid fertilzers to associated farmers. In August we ran the first production and trained all farmers on the benefit and usage of this important aspect of the fertilization plan.
These liquid fertilizers (or biols) are produced through fermentation process in artisanal biodigestors from locally available organic inputs (molasses, cow milk,...) and are reinforced with essential micronutrients. Used in combination with solid fertilizers, they contribute to restoring soil fertility and improving plant nutrition.
Collaborative design of agroforestry demo plots
A key component of the Choba Choba Foundation intervention in the Huayabamba valley is to support cocoa farmers in their transition towards more resilient agroecosystem. In partnership with FiBL, we have started to implement five agroforestry demonstration plots co-designed with the farmers themselves. Two new plantations will be installed from scratch and three old cacao fields will enter in complete renovation.
The aim of this participative approach is to adapt the design of agroforestry system to the personal preferences, capacities and social/economic reality of each farmer. Through several workshops that took place in September, guided by FiBL and the technical staff of the Choba Choba Foundation, Rony, Marcial, Cesilio, Cristhian and Oswaldo could define what their new agroforestry farms will look like, according to both agronomic, economic and environmental criterias. They will be key players in the monitoring and evaluation of these demonstration plots and lead the way for others...
Sharpening our field segmentation
Understanding the specific challenges of a cacao plantation is key in order to define the adapted agronomic intervention. To engage in a process of rehabilitation or renovation of a cacao field is a critical decision for a cocoa farmer as it often represents a high and risky investment. The decision should be based on the correct diagnostic.
Following the first steps of our field segmentation approach (based on the age of cacao plantation and yields per hectare), in August we conducted an extensive field work and studied 3 additional key criterias : the cacao tree density (how many plants per hectare), the shade density, and the diversity of non-cacao tree species per plot. We have now finalized the segmentation of 90 hectares of cacao plantation and are ready to adjust the customized intervention plan.
Cacao compatibility study
Most cocoa farmers are unaware of the characteristics of genetic compatibility and incompatibility of the different cacao trees present on their farms. This can result in the planting and grafting of cacao genetic material that are not compatible with each other, resulting in low productivity.
The renovation and installation plan we will implement must take into account this compatibility factor in order to design varietal arrangements where the varieties present in a given plot are beneficial to each other, enhancing their productivity thanks to good interactions in pollination. In this sense in August we conducted the first step of a controlled pollination study, and first conclusions have been shared with the farmers.
Building capacity and sharing knowledge
Straight after the main harvest, August and September in the Alto Huayabamba are months where the cacao plant enters in a period of relative rest. This doesn't mean there is no work to be done on the farm. Pruning, weeding, controling pest and disease: these activities are cricital to prepare the next cycle.
And there is work off the farm too ! In August we organized the first sessions of our capacity building plan with the support of two experts from the UNAS (Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva) : Dr Wilfredo Zavala, dean of the university, and Dr Oscar Cabezas, expert in phytopathology. The latter travelled to the Huayabamba to share his knowledge and expertise both with the technical staff of the CoopACCC and all associated farmers. A strong focus was done on evaluating and raising awareness on the impact of pest and disease on the economy of a cocoa farmer.
Data management: a challenge and a key success factor
One of the main challenges we have been facing the past years is related to the proper data management. We indeed collect and monitor a huge sum of information: via our agronomists' field work, in the Farmer Field Books where data is registered by the farmers themselves (expenses, income, ...), or at the cooperative level (cocoa volumes purchased and sold, average yields per hectare,...).
In Q3 this year we reviewed our farm planning and management tools, as well as our data collection and monitoring protocols. This led to the identification of the main blockers to an efficient data management. One of them being the huge work needed to transfer information collected on paper in the cacao plantations, to a clean and systematized database. In September we engaged with Campotec, a Juanjui based IT company, to evaluate the possibility to digitalize some of our tools and pilot a new solution that will lead to improved data management practices.
Conservation and Use of the Cacao Genetic Diversity in the Huayabamba
In Q3, in the framework of our project "Conservation and Use of the Cacao Genetic Diversity in the Huayabamba", in partnership with the APPCACAO we designed our workplan until the end of 2021, and resumed our bioprospection work that was on standby due to the Covid crisis. New promising trees are now on the waiting list to be further characterized and evaluated.
Additionally, in September we approved the choice of the land that the CoopACCC will purchase where both the conservation and clonal gardens will be installed. We plan to start this installation process in December this year.
Did you know ?
The cacao tree (Theobroma Cacao) only grows in an environment that meets very specific conditions (rainfall, altitude, temperature, soils,...). The area of land that presents these characteristics is called the "Cocoa Belt" for it is the area around the equator, 20 degrees latitude north and south...
Credits:
Choba Choba Foundation - 2021