On the rolling hills of Cuba's Pinar del Río province, farmers are pioneering climate-smart agricultural practices that protect the environment while improving yields. With UNDP support, they're building a model for sustainable food production.
Climate-Smart Farming
Cuba's agricultural sector faces increasing pressure from climate change, including more frequent droughts, intense hurricanes, and unpredictable rainfall. Traditional farming methods are no longer sufficient.
UNDP's Sustainable Agriculture Programme introduces practices including:
- Agroforestry systems that combine crops with trees
- Water-efficient irrigation technologies
- Organic pest management
- Soil conservation techniques
Farmer Stories
"My grandfather farmed this land, but the old ways don't work anymore," says Diosmara, a cattle farmer. "With the new techniques, my pastures stay green even in dry season, and my cattle are healthier."
Protecting Biodiversity
The programme also focuses on protecting Cuba's unique biodiversity. Farmers are learning to maintain wildlife corridors, protect native species, and use integrated pest management instead of harmful chemicals.
Results and Expansion
After three years, participating farms have seen 40% increases in productivity while reducing water use by 30%. The model is now being expanded to other provinces with support from the Global Environment Facility.