Farmers in Bolivia face a pivotal decision between slash-and-burn agriculture and sustainable tree planting following devastating wildfires. The significant destruction caused by these fires has heightened awareness of the risks associated with traditional farming practices. Innovative solutions, such as the use of “bombitas” for reforestation, are emerging to counteract environmental degradation and improve water retention in affected areas.
In the wake of last year’s catastrophic wildfires in Bolivia, farmers are faced with a critical choice: continue using slash-and-burn techniques to clear land for agriculture or adopt sustainable practices such as tree planting to combat worsening drought conditions. The fires destroyed approximately 10.7 million hectares of forest, resulting in significant loss of life and severe air pollution, according to Bolivian authorities and the European Union’s climate monitoring agency.
The extensive infernos were exacerbated by existing drought conditions attributed to climate change, with improper management of controlled burns being a major contributing factor. Julia Ortiz, a local sesame farmer, highlights the challenges of slash-and-burn agriculture, which is prevalent among farmers in the Chiquitania region. She recalls her family’s struggle to control a fire that they had ignited, emphasizing the reliance on burning despite its risks.
The aftermath of the fires is evident as residents like Carmen Pena grapple with crop losses. Pena’s banana and yuca crops were destroyed, raising concerns about food security as she depends solely on farming for income. Despite the damage, some farmers are restarting new blazes to clear land, underscoring the persistence of agricultural practices that contribute to deforestation.
Reports indicate that over 63.6 percent of burnt land was forested, indicating immense pressure to expand farmland. Analysts, like David Cruz from the Universidad Mayor de San Andres, argue that the government enables deforestation by delaying environmental regulations and pardoning those responsible for the fires. Ortiz contends that without access to farming machinery, burning remains the only viable option.
To combat ongoing drought, local women have innovatively decided to replant trees using a method originally developed in Nepal. They create small earth spheres called “bombitas” filled with native tree seeds and employ drones for widespread airdropping over deforested areas. This initiative, supported by organizations like Swisscontact and Flades, aims to restore ecological balance and improve local water retention.
Joaquin Sorioco, a local farmer, emphasizes that revitalizing forests is crucial for water accessibility, expressing optimism about the benefits of replanting efforts. The Flades foundation’s director, Mario Rivera, states that the devastating fires served as a catalyst for raising awareness about the consequences of damaging farming practices and encourages a more sustainable approach moving forward.
Bolivian farmers are at a crossroads between continuing slash-and-burn agriculture or embracing sustainable tree-planting practices to address the environmental impact of wildfires and drought. While reliance on burning persists due to a lack of machinery, innovative reforestation efforts are emerging as a promising solution. Awareness of the devastating consequences of deforestation is growing, signaling a potential shift towards more eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Original Source: homenewshere.com
