Abstract

TERRY ALFONSO, Elein; GONZALEZ ESPINOSA, Yuneidys  and  MARTINEZ RODRIGUEZ, Yamilka. Agroecology practices to increase productivity on Cuba agricultural farms. Investig. Agrar. [online]. 2023, vol.25, n.1, pp.32-38. ISSN 2305-0683.  https://doi.org/10.18004/investig.agrar.2023.junio.2501755.

Modern agriculture is moving towards more sustainable systems and is nourished by the experiences of organic and traditional agriculture, as well as good agronomic practices. In this scenario, sustainable agricultural development and food security are a strategic priority for Cuba towards economic and social development. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of agroecology practices in increasing the productivity of three farms in agroecology transition in the Jaruco municipality in the Mayabeque province, Cuba. The period from 2020 (baseline) to 2022 was covered. Interviews were applied to farmers to collect information about the innovations implemented to improve production results and the participant observation method was used to verify the effectiveness of the innovation on the increase of the agricultural yields of the evaluated crops. The results show that the use of good agricultural practices such as the use and management of bioproducts for plant nutrition, varietal diversification, the use of organic fertilizers, and biological controls, allowed the increase in the agricultural yield of different crops of economic interest for Cuba. Among them are increases in crop yields of 30-60% in sweet potato, 20-50% in beans, and 40-50% in corn, with respect to the yields obtained in the year 2020, thus paying tribute to local food security and sovereignty.

Keywords : agroecology; crops; agricultural diversity; yield; food security.

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