Honduras Quesungual System

Summary

In Honduras, farming on hillside slopes has long struggled with soil erosion and water scarcity. The introduction of the Kung agroforestry system by the FAO has revolutionized agriculture in the region. By integrating trees with crops like corn and beans, this system boosts yields, improves food security, and reduces environmental impact. It helps mitigate climate change by decreasing greenhouse gases and preserving soil structure. The Kung system is gaining traction in other regions, offering a sustainable solution for communities facing similar challenges in Central America, Africa, and Asia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Up to 78% of agricultural land in Honduras is on hillside slopes in regions facing seasonal water scarcity and dry spells due to climate change.
• 🌱 The traditional slash-and-burn farming method in Honduras led to soil degradation, poor yields, and forced farmers to relocate after a few years.
• 🌍 The FAO developed the Kesung Agroforestry system to support small-scale farmers by combining modern agricultural techniques with ancient practices.
• 🌳 In the Kesung system, farmers preserve the tallest trees for fruit, firewood, and furniture, maintaining a diverse environment that improves crop yields.
• 🌾 A typical Kesung plot consists of over 20 large timber and fruit trees, as well as hundreds of smaller shrubs, promoting sustainable land management.
• 💪 Farmers using the Kesung system have seen their crop yields double while reducing the need to relocate to new plots.
• 🍲 The shift to agroforestry has also improved nutrition for farmers, as they consume more diverse and nutritious foods.
• 📈 The Kesung system has been running for 20 years, gradually ending migratory farming by boosting productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
• 💧 The system has been credited with increasing humidity levels by 20% and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change adaptation.
• 🌍 Experts hope the success of the Kesung Agroforestry system can be applied to other regions globally, including parts of Africa and Asia, with similar biophysical and socioeconomic conditions.

Q & A

What is the main agricultural challenge faced by farmers in Honduras?

Farmers in Honduras face challenges related to water scarcity, dry spells, soil erosion, and the impact of climate variability and change, which have affected food production, livelihoods, and the environment.

How did the traditional agricultural practices in Honduras impact the environment?

The traditional slash-and-burn method used by farmers in Honduras led to land degradation, loss of soil fertility, and the need to relocate every few years, which negatively affected both the environment and agricultural productivity.

What is the Kung system, and how does it address these challenges?

The Kung system is an agroforestry technique developed by the FAO in collaboration with local farmers. It promotes sustainable farming by growing crops like corn, beans, and sorghum alongside preserved vegetation, reducing the need for slash-and-burn practices and improving soil quality.

What crops are grown using the Kung system in Honduras?

The Kung system is used to grow a variety of crops, including corn, beans, sorghum, vegetables, and soybeans.

What are the benefits of preserving large trees in the Kung system?

Preserving large trees in the Kung system provides multiple benefits, such as sources of fruit, firewood, and wood for furniture. These trees also create a favorable microenvironment for crops and help mitigate soil erosion.

How does the Kung system impact crop production and soil management?

The Kung system allows crops to be grown year-round on the same plot without needing to relocate, significantly increasing crop yields, improving soil health, and reducing soil erosion and landslide risks.

What is the impact of the Kung system on food security in the region?

The Kung system has improved food security by increasing crop yields, providing more nutritious foods, and reducing the need for migratory farming practices, which were previously a major source of food insecurity.

What environmental benefits has the Kung system provided?

The Kung system has led to a 20% increase in humidity levels, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced carbon sequestration, contributing to both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

How has the Kung system spread to other regions of Honduras?

Due to its low costs and effectiveness, the Kung system has expanded to other villages in Honduras, including San Lucas in the El Paraíso department, helping more communities adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

Why is the Kung system considered a model for sustainable agriculture?

The Kung system combines traditional agricultural practices with modern techniques, offering a low-cost, sustainable solution to land management, improving both productivity and environmental outcomes. Its success in Honduras offers potential for replication in other countries with similar conditions.