Balancing Agriculture and Reforestation in Bolivia’s Struggling Farming Communities

Bolivian farmers are faced with a critical decision post-wildfires: to continue using fire for land clearing or to embrace tree planting as a strategy to mitigate worsening drought. Approximately 10.7 million hectares of forest were lost to fires, prompting a community effort to replant using innovative methods. The economic realities of farming complicate these choices, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices.

Santa Cruz, Bolivia – In the aftermath of Bolivia’s most catastrophic wildfires, farmers are confronted with a dilemma: continue utilizing fire to clear land for agriculture or engage in tree planting to combat escalating drought conditions. Approximately 10.7 million hectares of dry tropical forest, an expanse comparable to Portugal, were devastated by wildfires last year, as reported by the Bolivian Institute for Forest Research (IBIF). These fires, which resulted in significant carbon emissions, received less international attention than those in Brazil but still had dire local consequences, including fatalities.

The rapid spread of fires has been linked to the practice of “chaqueos”—a form of slash-and-burn agriculture prevalent in regions like Chiquitania. Julia Ortiz, a local sesame grower, vividly recalls a night spent fighting a fire they inadvertently set, indicating that many farmers depend on such practices for their livelihoods. Last year’s fires were on an unprecedented scale, devastating many crops and leaving farmers struggling to survive.

While some lands are beginning to show signs of recovery, fires continue to be ignited as farmers clear land for new crops, despite efforts to establish a tree-planting initiative. An IBIF report highlighted that a significant portion of the land affected by the fires was forested, underscoring the increasing pressure for agricultural expansion. David Cruz, a climate change expert, criticizes governmental policies that facilitate deforestation by providing leniency towards those responsible for the fires and extending compliance deadlines for environmental regulations.

Many farmers, including Ortiz, argue that they have no choice but to use fire for land clearing due to the lack of agricultural machinery. Renting or purchasing tractors is unfeasible for most farmers in Santa Ana, which leads them to risk losing control of their fires. This reliance on traditional methods is driven by economic necessity, presenting a challenge as they face the repercussions of their practices.

In response to persistent water shortages, female villagers have taken the initiative to replant trees using a technique developed in Nepal, known as “bombitas.” These small spheres made of soil and indigenous tree seeds will be distributed over deforested areas via drones, aided through funding from Swisscontact and the Flades foundation. This effort aims to enhance moisture retention in the soil, a critical factor for future agricultural stability.

The Flades foundation highlights the importance of using the recent tragedy of wildfires as an impetus for awareness regarding detrimental land-clearing practices. Mario Rivera, the foundation’s director, expressed hope that these challenging times will motivate better agricultural choices moving forward, as the community recognizes the connection between forest conservation and water resources.

In summary, Bolivian farmers are at a crossroads between continuing harmful land-clearing practices or adopting innovative tree-planting strategies to counteract climate impacts. The devastation from last year’s wildfires illustrates the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, although economic constraints complicate the transition. Initiatives like the airdropping of seed bombs indicate a collective effort to foster reforestation and raise awareness about the environmental ramifications of deforestation, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable future.

Original Source: www.france24.com