Exploring Sustainable Land Management Practices: A learning journey through Brazil's innovations.

A team of ten national experts from various government agencies participated in a learning journey in Brazil from May 21 to 28, 2024. The team included representatives from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE), and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

Accompanied by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) experts from Guyana and Brazil, the learning journey kicked off with a visit to the AgroBrasilia Fair in Brasilia, the third largest agricultural fair in Brazil, with 600 exhibitors showcasing their best practices and technologies. This event serves as a platform for farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and innovations. The team visited several stalls, interacted, and learned about the latest innovative techniques, products, and services. Some of the outstanding features were Biofloc Fish Culture, the use of genetically modified seeds with no tillage and intercropping technology for corn and soya cultivation, grass cultivation for land stabilization, agroforestry and pastureland management, application of drone and other equipment for large scale crop cultivation and innovative cassava processing facilities.

At the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), the team gained valuable knowledge on agroforestry, soil conservation techniques, and mined out area reclamation interventions. They also visited the research areas of large scale corn and soya cultivation and interacted with the producers in Cerrado, while the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) provided an overview of cotton production, quality control, and certification system.

The visit extended beyond Brasilia to Santa Catarina State, to the coal mined-out area where land reclamation is being done using dragon fruit cultivation by the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension (Epagri) Company. This exposure provided an opportunity to interact with the dragon fruit producers and witness firsthand the technical aspects of cultivation and storage processes.

The learning journey concluded with a trip to the Farmers’ Cooperative (Cooperja) which supports local farmers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices through community involvement, shared resources, and collective decision-making. The team learned about Cooperja’s activity on enhancing productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship among its members.

The exposure to Brazil provided invaluable knowledge and insights into the principles and techniques of sustainable agricultural management in Brazil that can be adapted in Guyana. Roland Austin of GLSC said, “Through this exposure, we gained valuable insights from Brazil's successful practices in sustainable land management, particularly their approach to restoring mined out areas, and soil management practices.”

Ashelle Ramnarine of GGMC expressed admiration for Brazil's significant investment in research on agriculture and mining. She hopes that Guyana can follow suit, investing in these areas to support sustainable land management goals.

These insights will inform the refinement and adaptation of project strategies related to mined-out area reclamation, soil quality improvement, and high-value crop cultivation, leading to more effective implementation. Furthermore, the visit facilitated collaborative relationships with Brazilian institutions and experts, paving the way for future knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities.

Arafat MD, the FAO technical expert leading this learning path noted, “This expedition is a significant milestone in Guyana's journey towards promoting sustainable land management and agricultural development. It underscores the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing common challenges and achieving shared goals”.

This expedition is part of the capacity building component of the Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) project, which is implemented by GLSC and the FAO with funding from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund.