Microfinance for Ecosystem-based Adaptation

What are biodigesters?

A biodigester system utilizes organic waste, particularly animal and human excreta, to produce fertilizer and biogas. A biodigester consists of an airtight, high-density polyethylene container within which excreta diluted in water flow continuously and are fermented by microorganisms present in the waste. The fermentation process is anaerobic, i.e., it takes place without oxygen, and the bacteria responsible for decomposition are methanogenic (i.e., they produce methane, also known as biogas).

Description

Description

Description

Crop rotation consists in sequentially producing plant species in a given location by alternating crops every year, every two years or every three years. This diversified production system prevents the build-up of pests and diseases as well as the exhaustion of the soil that usually occur with production of a single crop (or crops of a single family) in successive agricultural cycles.

Description

Windbreaks comprise one or more rows of trees and shrubs of different heights placed perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Their purpose is to reduce the force of the wind close to the ground, and thus its mechanical action on crops, pasture and livestock. They are used to curb wind erosion and to help regulate climate conditions on farms. Windbreaks may also be used as living fences that demarcate the boundaries of a property or zones within it.

Description

Agricultural drainage is carried out by systems that intercept and convey excess water across a plot and dispose of it in a safe location. The water is transported by gravity, in a non-erosive manner, in surface or sub-surface channels. The aim is to control the specific moisture content for each type of crop and avoid losses resulting from excess water in extreme situations.

Description

The purpose of firebreaks is to prevent forest fires from spreading before they damage the ecosystem, cropland or personal property. To construct a firebreak, a band of vegetation between 4 and 6 m wide is dug out and vegetation and dirt are removed until the mineral soil is reached. Firebreaks generally begin and end in places where fire cannot reach due to a lack of combustible matter. The extracted vegetation is disposed of on the side of the lane opposite that from which a fire could be expected to come.

Description

A greenhouse is a closed structure, covered with translucent materials, that creates optimal climate, water, pest control, soil fertility and ventilation conditions in order to attain high productivity more quickly, at lower cost and with less of an environmental impact. Climate variables inside the greenhouse are controlled with several devices and materials including, inter alia, shade mesh, windows and openings, forced ventilation and humidifiers.

Description

Agroecology is a holistic production method that works at the agroecosystem level. It is based on adopting integrated management for resource conservation as well as diversifying and enhancing synergies among the components of the agroecosystem, balancing energy and nutrient flows and adapting productive activities to local conditions. It promotes a high degree of interaction among its components to preserve biodiversity and attain sustainable production.

Aeroponics

Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium (known as geoponics). Unlike hydroponice, which uses a liquid nutrient solution as a growin medium and essential minerals to sustain plant growth; or aquaponics which uses water and fish waste, aeroponics is conducted without a growing medium.