They say that “you can grow anything in Ecuador…take a broom handle, stick in in the ground and it will grow”. That saying might be true in the Amazon, but it certainly isn’t in the semi-arid regions of coastal Ecuador where the Dos Corrientes Farm and the village of Liguiqui is situated. Climate change, soil degradation and low rainfall make growing fruit and vegetables a significant challenge. However, thanks to advancement in the knowledge of permaculture techniques, growing abundant crops is not only possible, it’s being done!!!

Research in Liguiqui indicated that village elders valued the importance of access to good, healthy, natural and organic food. To facilitate this, Dos Corrientes implemented a “Backyard Garden Food Production System” course.

The course taught online and at the farm was a huge success with gardens and vegetables growing in the backyards of many homes in the village of Liguiqui. In addition, crops were harvested from the community garden on the farm. Lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, beets, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes were in large supply. Vegetables were washed, packaged, and distributed by local villagers throughout Liguiqui to those who needed food. Distribution systems were also tested with a restaurant and a few stores in a town about 15 miles away. These distribution systems as well as being online will become important in the future for villagers near the farm to grow and sell their produce.