Local Context

Communities and rural settlements in the state of Tocantins have a history of difficulties with regard to lack of water, electricity and the cost for the maintenance of the pumps that capture water. Considering this reality, the Ecologica Institute conducted the instalation of gardens and irrigation models through a solar energy source.

The program aimed to generate income by the commercialization of the products grown in these irrigated gardens. The project took place in the city of Pium, in Tocantins, between 2006 and 2009, and had the support of the HSBC Institute, and partnerships with Eletronorte, Federal Technical School of Tocantins, Ruraltins and Seagro.

Project Description

The project consists of the implementation of gardens and photovoltaic systems, awareness and training, alternative crops management of species  and renewable energy sources to decrease the effects of climate change. The actions are aimed at implementing an alternative model of organic farming that benefits the climate, since the traditional models of agriculture contribute to increasing effects of climate change.

capacitações voltadas para o mercado e comercialização dos produtos obtidos na horta; disseminação da tecnologia para outros assentamentos; um estudo final para a verificação das melhorias conseguidas e do incremento da renda mensal da comunidade envolvida; a implantação e estruturação de um local de vendas dos produtos gerados nas hortas.

The initiative included a preliminary study to find what is the socio-economic situation of the communities involved; systems with water reservoir for irrigation of areas of at least 1,600 m2; training regarding the use of the equipment and its maintenance and the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy; training regarding market and commercialization of products obtained in the garden; spread of technology to other settlements; a final study to verify the improvements achieved and the increase of the monthly income of the community involved; the implementation and structuring of local sales of products generated in the gardens.

Files for Download

Resume (Portuguese)

Project Presentation (Portuguese)