Perspective Agroforestry

PERSPECTIVE EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL PROMOTING RESILIENCE AND FARMER AUTONOMY IN FOOD SYSTEMS Evelyn Nimmo is a researcher , professional editor , and translator . She leads a organization that supports research and development of systems in Southern Brazil . She has a in Historical the University , a 634

ter degree in Archaeology from Simon University , and a joint Honours Bachelor degree in Anthropology and Rhetoric and Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo . Andre EB . holds a bachelor degree in Forest ing from the Federal University of , Brazil , with a in Environmental Management and Engineering , a master degree in Botany , and a in Geography from the University of Reading . He is a researcher at Forestry in the area of forest ecology and genetics . He has experience working in participatory forest management , environmental restoration , systems , and population genetics . Learning Outcomes After reading and discussing this text , students should be able to Explain the importance of Indigenous ecological and histories in supporting and developing sustainable food systems . Describe the impact that conventional industrial food have on traditional food cultures and ways of ing the environment . Demonstrate an understanding of how researchers can integrate scientific approaches and traditional knowledge to develop innovative solutions to food systems . EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 635

INTRODUCTION Conventional agriculture applies a approach to agricultural production and has ignored the particular tion that farmers have with their land , the crops they produce , and the ecosystems that they rely on . In Brazil , the result has been massive deforestation , rural exodus , extreme impacts of droughts and other weather events , a significant loss of biodiversity , and a loss of the sense of belonging among ers . One of the ways that farmers , researchers , and other actors have begun to address these challenges within the current food system is by using the principles of . is an area of scientific research and a set of practices or methods that uses the science of ecology to develop , design , and implement able and environmentally sound agricultural practices . approaches also look beyond the environment and agriculture to include social and cultural aspects of food systems . One example is the consideration of peoples connection and tory with the land , and their traditional knowledge about native tree and crop species , as important factors in developing systems . Traditional and ( yerba mate in Spanish ) production systems refer to an assemblage of agricultural and practices typical of family farming and traditional communities ( such as Indigenous peoples , and ) in Southern , Brazil . The dark green leaves of the tree ( Ilex see Figure ) are harvested , roasted , processed , and consumed as a tea , the regional name for mate , see Figure ) or , is an infusion that is consumed cold . The cultivation , harvesting , and consumption of are practices that have deep cultural significance in southern Latin American countries , from Chile to Brazil , and 636

the history of production and consumption of dates back thousands of years . These systems originated in the cultural practices of the Guarani Indigenous people , yet they continued to develop over generations through the exchange of knowledge between Indigenous peoples and settler communities . Figure . trees in a traditional system with chicken and pork production ( left ) leaves of the tree that are pruned for drying and processing ( right ) photos . Figure . and metal straw used to consume , an infusion of processed leaves with hot water . The way is consumed today has its roots in Guarani indigenous cultural practices and has changed little since European colonization of Southern Latin America . photo . EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 637

is a species it thrives naturally in the understory of the Forest , a forest ecosystem that is part of the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot . Its cultivation and management are based on traditional ecological edge and locally developed natural resource management . Precisely because of the way in which is produced , in native forests and associated with traditional knowledge , it is a unique system in Southern Brazil that integrates a variety of food crops and other est products , such as native fruits , corn , beans , rice , and , as well as the raising of pigs , cattle , and poultry . Since the production of traditional is directly linked to forests , the amount of forest cover in regions where it is grown is highly relevant . This is a key point considering that the Atlantic Forest is a biodiversity hotspot , with high levels of diversity and endemism of associated and fauna , and that only about of the original primary forest remains , with new or secondary forests covering between 20 and 25 of southern Brazil . The vast deforestation that occurred mainly in the and is a consequence of an intense process of land use changes that continue throughout the country today . But in areas where traditional production continues in Southern State , rates of deforestation have been less severe ( see Figure ) 638

Figure . The devastating loss of forest in State can be seen in the second image , as the majority of the state was covered by forest until the turn of the century . in the region where traditional systems still occur , in South and , the loss of forest has been much less severe , as shown in the image ( forests are shown in darker green ) in the north and west of State , land conversion for commodity crops , initially coffee and then later corn and say , have left a lasting impact on the landscape . image Google Earth , 2022 . Despite the important role of traditional production systems in local and regional ecosystem services , cultural and histories , and food production , they are under increased pressure to modernize . These pressures come from the industrial food sector and government agricultural reach and research agencies , which advocate for transitioning to commodity production ( tobacco , soy , and corn ) or ing traditional practices altogether and increasing EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 639

yields through monoculture cultivation and heavy use of inputs , like pesticides , fertilizers , and other . Nevertheless , farmers continue to use traditional systems for a range of reasons , including the affective relationships many producers have with the forest and a recognition of the importance of maintaining not only the forest environment , but also the knowledge and practices associated with these management systems . STATE , SOUTHERN BRAZIL Over the past 30 years , an informal network has developed in Southern State that has been working together to support the continuation of traditional growing systems . They help leverage and optimize these systems , to increase farmer income and autonomy , value the products that they produce , and better understand the benefits they bring culturally , ecologically , and economically . This network is made up of forest engineers , historians , anthropologists , technicians , and reach workers from universities and state and federal institutions ( such as the State University of , the Rural Development Institute of , and Forestry ) Farmers from across the region who are engaged in production , activism , and mentation are also involved in the network , as are other holders , such as the newly created Centre for Education and Development of Traditional ( The network includes people who have been working to support traditional agricultural systems for several decades , as well as newer , such as researchers from and , who bring different insights and perspectives . In what follows , we focus on the recent work of this network to consider how nary and participatory research and outreach are crucial to

porting the development or continuation of food systems , and how such systems can offer strategies to build resilience in the face of a changing climate and the industrial food system . RESEARCH METHODS In Brazil , the majority of research and public policies support the expansion of the industrial agricultural food system , focusing on production of commodities such as soy and beef . Because of this , traditional and food are considered fringe or outdated , and tend to be marginalized in policy and practice . Therefore , research is to legitimize traditional knowledge as an important tive . While there is much discussion concerning and sustainable food systems around the world , in Southern Brazil , agricultural research and outreach have mostly ignored these food systems , maintaining a focus on conventional , commodity production such as soy , corn , and tobacco . Building on the engagement with communities , ers , and outreach organizations , researchers in the network are using a wide range of participatory research methods to better understand the historical , social , cultural , and environmental aspects of traditional practices ( see Figure ) Members of the network are conducting workshops , focus group discussions , and in communities to discuss the challenges and solutions that farmers experience when practicing logical and traditional on farms . EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 641

loca Maw ind oral Sustainable livelihoods Technical and about systems Knowledge sharing ecosystem restoration Figure . based on the integration of different ways of knowing and knowledge sharing can help to achieve the goals of supporting sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem restoration . and knowledge exchanges are key aspects of these workshops and , because they offer a space that values all types of knowledge brought to the discussion . This way of sharing experiences is central to participatory methods , as it ensures that farmers are active participants in the research and that the knowledge is done collaboratively from the bottom up ( rather than imposed on communities from a scientific perspective that is unaware of the realities of life on the farm ) The farmers and communities who participate in these events have noted a range of opportunities , including the need to create and other solidarity initiatives , a desire to conduct further tory research to address gaps in knowledge , support for youth in farming , and increasing the participation of women , among ers . Researchers from the History Department at are also environmental oral history interviews with traditional producers to begin to document their knowledge 642

related to the forest . This helps understand the memories , and identities associated with and the forest . Such methods are important , as they offer insights into the cultural and historical aspects of agricultural production and mental protection , showing that the continuation of ical production is notjust an economic decision , but is also tied to how farmers understand their own history and as stewards of the forest . Additionally , the forest engineers and agronomy researchers who are part of the network are testing and replicating production systems , so that these systems can be tored and measured over time . As a means of addressing some of the technical issues identified by farmers in oral history views and workshops , traditional systems were replicated in the Research Station in ( a 100 hectare experimental area that includes primary and forest and abandoned agricultural fields . systems based on traditional practices were implemented to test a range of strategies identified and developed with farmers , as well as opportunities and techniques for forest restoration . Research that measures the growth of and other forest species in experimental areas provides important data on cycles . This data includes when to harvest and how much can be produced , as well as the role of forests in promoting ecosystem services , such as biodiversity conservation and the provision of clean water . Research projects also provide the opportunity to improve practices , test innovations developed with farmers in workshops , and develop for mentation beyond the experimental area . A MODEL FOR PRODUCTIVE One of the outcomes of the research in the was the of a Productive model that can be used EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 643

to restore degraded areas . In Brazil , there are strict legal that severely limit the exploitation of forests , such as gathering and timber , or any other type of harvesting . Legal Reserves and Areas of Permanent Protection must make up at least 20 of the land cover on properties in Southern Brazil , and any infraction is met with steep fines . These restrictions have made increasing forest cover across the scape extremely difficult because some landowners now view forests as worthless and untouchable . Once the forest grows , farmers believe they will no longer be able to use the land or its resources . Innovative productive systems are therefore needed that not only restore diverse and resilient ecosystems , but also follow legal requirements and generate income for the farmer . Productive models were developed to respond to these needs . They enable the implementation of an system using and other native tree and crop species that incorporate farmer knowledge , the need for return on investment , and sustainability . One such model was established in the in a degraded area that had been cultivated with corn for more than 30 years ( see Figure ) In the first year , pioneer trees species such as ( Mimosa ) were encouraged to regenerate in rows and were with beans and soy for interim income . After 12 months , the trees had themselves and were thinned out by selective harvesting to sell as . was then planted among the tree rows . By the third year , a full forest canopy was created , with thriving in the understory . After five years , harvesting began , with a range of native species regenerating in the forest environment . 644

Models of ecosystem restoration based on traditional systems Figure . A model of Productive restoration based on traditional systems and implemented in a degraded area that had been used to cultivate corn for 30 years . Within five years , a full forest canopy developed , with being produced and harvested in the understory The Strategic Council for Traditional and mate Systems Another key outcome was the creation of the Strategic Council for Traditional and Systems ( dos de ) in 2019 . This Strategic Council is made up of representatives from 30 institutions , including state and federal agencies , Civil Society Organizations ( universities , and local chapters of the Family Farmers Union , as well as industries . The aims of this council include supporting research and outreach to ensure the continuation of these systems , while also ing cooperative and solidarity efforts to gain greater autonomy within the production chain . The Strategic Council advocates for traditional systems , Working with local governments to develop public policies that support sustainable and ing practices . EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 645

One of the most important developments of this ongoing project has been consolidating the varied individual efforts by a range of different stakeholders through the Strategic Council . Uniting these organizations into one council has helped to focus and actions and create a common platform through which to engage farmers , local and regional government , and national organizations . Working together across the network , the Strategic Council has developed a proposal submitted to the Food and Agricultural Agency ( of the United Nations , so that these traditional systems might receive recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System ( The program recognizes agricultural systems that have evolved as a result of the interaction between humans and their environment , fostering intimate ties between the landscape , local cultures , and agricultural practices . The program supports the continuation of these traditional systems through dynamic servation and innovation within , food security , and landscape management . By gaining recognition of traditional systems as a , only the second in Brazil , the Strategic Council is porting the consolidation of a community of practice through which farmers can work together to address the many challenges facing the system , including price , supply chain , processing , and end products ( see Figure ) This community of tice is already working to institute a for traditional and develop a certification system that recognizes the sustainability of the system from ecological , economic , and perspectives . Through these efforts , producers are gaining greater autonomy to negotiate prices , diversify their production , and gain recognition for the superior products they produce . This , in turn , brings greater economic stability for farmers . 646

( chain for male ( ed an ( ale farms and ( in to re Consumer me an loam ( In the green leaves mew , harvest . ol provenance premium in me . eaves , and sa ( al , i . hum Na recognition at sustainable , pra No and producer have me autonomy my me price AV ! grown and pri ( Values me system Direct return for me Support am sa mi . in or ( al , Consumer must We . Mme an . every ( we ( es ( but vom mama in . wad ( may mew ( avI a ) and Mme . Production chain produced on and processed locally Figure . For most producers , the leaves are sold in , or raw , to to processors who often do not recognize products that are , organic , or traditional . On the other hand , consumers are generally unaware of how is produced and the potential of their choices . Image Nimmo et al . 2020 ) Perhaps most importantly , the program will provide increased recognition of the social , cultural , and ecological value of these systems , which builds community resilience in the face of a range of threats , including rural exodus , a lack of youth engagement , changing climate , and the pressure to modernize and integrate into the industrial food system . In particular , ing international recognition creates a sense of pride within communities , valuing the knowledge and practices that have developed for generations . As one young farmer pointed out during a Workshop to develop the Dynamic Conservation Plan for the project , this recognition helps young people envision a future for themselves using these systems , creating possibilities for the continuation of these knowledge and . EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 647

CONCLUSION This research , which involves experts from a variety of scientific disciplines , is documenting and highlighting the role that communities play in forest and biodiversity conservation . Traditional producers are not the uneducated , poor , outdated rural folk that many people assume them to be , but are instead stewards of the environment with a deep understanding of the forest . While there remains a distrust between traditional communities and environmental protection agencies , the data being gathered is helping to demonstrate that traditional mate production has been key to providing a range of ecosystem services and benefits for society as a whole , such as protecting the water cycle and maintaining forests . By creating an evidence base that highlights the important roles that traditional communities play in maintaining and forest landscapes , and in continuing traditional logical practices , this work is helping to change the relationship these farmers have with environmental and agricultural . The actors in the network and Strategic Council are laying the groundwork to build a better understanding within monitoring agencies of traditional practices , thus addressing the bias that farmers not be trusted to protect forest resources and strict laws and fines are the only way to deter deforestation . Through research and advocacy in collaboration with farmers , changes are taking place , with environmental agencies in recent events and outreach activities organized as part of this project and becoming active members of the Strategic Council . What is promising is that these agencies are looking to update regulations supported by the data and experiences that such projects are sharing . What can come from advocacy and engagement with these agencies is collaboration with 648

to develop public policies that recognize the value of the communities work and support their role as stewards of the important environmental and cultural resources the country needs to create resilient and sustainable communities and food systems . Discussion Questions How can traditional ecological knowledge help to diversify food systems ?

Why might this be tant for climate change ?

What are some of the benefits of taking a , approach when working with traditional communities ?

What other benefits can systems offer , both ecologically and socially ?

Additional Resources , and , Rediscovery of Traditional Ecological Knowledge as Adaptive Management . 2000 , Eduardo , Ana Lucia , and Evelyn Roberta Nimmo . 2020 . Leveraging Traditional to Support Sustainable and Landscapes in Southern Land ( Nimmo , Evelyn , and Francisco . 2019 . Creating Hybrid Scientific Knowledge and Practice EVELYN NIMMO AND ANDRE . 649

and Guarani Cultivation of Yerba Canadian journal of Latin American and Caribbean 44 ( Nimmo , Evelyn Roberta , de , and Andre Eduardo . 2020 . Oral History and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Social Innovation and Smallholder Sovereignty A Case Study of in Southern Ecology and Society 25 ( art , and Gordon ( 2004 ) Ecology of tree systems North temperate region Experiences from southern , Systems 61 . Williams , Brian , and Mark Riley . 2020 . The Challenge of Oral 650 History to Environmental Environment and History 26 (