Agroforestry Project

Tocantins, Brazil

35,255 verified W+ Units available exclusively from Empower Co.

The Cerrado biome in central Brazil is a vast area of lush tropical woodlands and grasslands. It is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, and the second largest biome in South America after the Amazon. Unfortunately, the rich biodiversity of this region is under threat as cattle ranching, soy farming, and other economic activities drive deforestation in the Cerrado.

Because women are often excluded from ranching operations, this project is enabling women to earn an income by becoming pioneers in agroforestry, using land that otherwise would have been used for ranching. Project developer Ecosystem Regeneration Associates (ERA) Brazil offers women free training courses, capacity building, and agroforestry systems. Their aim is to strengthen resilience among agricultural communities, and promote regenerative agriculture and reforestation using native vegetation.

Project Activities

Biodiverse food forests generate a wide variety of products, from cassava and baru nuts, to valuable spices like turmeric. ERA Brazil’s trainings give local smallholder women the expertise, confidence, resources, and support to improve their livelihoods and food security in their communities.

Women learn how to plant, manage, and harvest biodiverse agroforestry plots. ERA Brazil also supplies equipment for processing so that women can get the best prices for the products they grow. Turmeric, for example, can be sold at a much higher price when dried and ground, versus in its raw form.

Knowledge and Education
60.64% increase

Sustainable Development Goals

In addition to advancing gender equality (SDG-5), this project enables women to increase their household income, decreasing poverty (SDG-1) and improving food security for their families. Agroforestry is helping to preserve biodiversity and soil health in the region (SDG-15) . Restoring the region’s forests is a critical step in climate mitigation (SDG-13) that women are leading in this region.