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El Café, al igual que el cacao, se puede producir bajo sistemas agroforestales. Normalmente, el café se produce en altura, mientras el cacao se produce en regiones más bajas. Pero que tal, ¿si se combinarían en la misma parcela? En este video, Julio Ticona, responsable agronómico del Centro Sara Ana, cuenta las experiencias y el manejo del café en el proyecto de investigación SysCom en Bolivia.

Systematic studies on the economic competitiveness of organic farming systemscompared to conventional farming systems are particularly lacking in tropicalenvironments. In tropical regions, the evaluation of organic production systemstypically concentrates on main cash crops earmarked for export markets.Consequently, crops grown in rotation or in association with these main crops havebeen largely overlooked, with their contribution to farm profitability is oftenconsidered negligible due to perceived challenges in securing premium organicprices. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an analysis of twelve years ofeconomic data from four long-term farming system comparison trials in tropicalregions. Our objective was to delve into the economic competitiveness of bothorganic and conventional production systems at the system level, considering notonly the main cash crops but also the associated and rotational crops. The outcomesof our analysis revealed that in three out of four systems, the gross margins oforganic and conventional systems were comparable. In the fourth system, the grossmargins of the organic system were 13.13% lower, equivalent to $169.8 per hectareper year compared to the conventional system. Furthermore, the contribution ofcrops grown in rotation with these main crops remains similar even when premiumprices are not obtained. In instances where premium prices for non-cash crops aresecured, their profitability can even surpass that of cash crops. Additionally, in thecase of agroforestry, companion plantings serve as valuable additions for both dietaryand income diversity. Thesefindings suggest that the profitability of an agriculturalsystem is not solely dependent on whether it is organic or conventional but isinstead influenced by various system components. The emphasis should shift from asingular focus on main cash crops to a more comprehensive understanding thatconsiders the entire spectrum of crops within a farming system.

Diversifizierte Agroforstsysteme sind eine produktive Alternative zu Kakaomonokulturen und steigern die Nachhaltigkeit sowohl von Biokakao als auch von konventionellen Systemen. Ihre Produktivität muss an der Gesamtheit der Produkte gemessen werden. Sie leisten einen Beitrag zum dringend notwendigen Wandel hin zu einer nachhaltigen und regenerativen Landwirtschaft im Hinblick auf Klimawandel, Biodiversitätsverlust, Entwaldung und Bodendegradation.

Cacao Nacional Boliviano (CNB) is the denomination for cacao derived from wild populations found in the Bolivian Amazon, traditionally collected by local communities. But cultivation surfaces are increasing as CNB beans are recognised internationally for their organoleptic qualities. So far, little selection has been done on the semi-wild populations cultivated and agricultural practices might have to be adapted to better support farmers’ livelihoods. We studied three different agricultural systems: CNB in agroforestry with bananas, fruit and timber trees with a management focusing on weeding and cacao pruning (AF); CNB planted in the cleared understory of a largely unmanaged secondary forest with (SFwP) or without (SFnP) cacao tree pruning. We monitored the yearly dry bean yield, labour time required for field activities, and resulting efficiencies of these three systems on plots established in 2012. Cacao was planted using CNB progenies from locally selected trees. In all systems, the first cocoa pods matured 4 years after planting; production increased significantly in the 6th year and again between the 9th and 11th year. Cumulative dry yields in this third phase (2020-2022) were highest in SFnP (911.2 kg/ha), followed by AF (591.2 kg/ha) and SFwP (277.8 kg/ha). Heavy pruning was labour-intensive (up to 56% of total labour time) and limited yields but increased harvesting efficiency in the following years without pruning. In 2020-2022, harvesting in SFnP was 5 times more laborious as in SFwP and 2.7 times more as in AF, while its yield was only 3.3 and 1.5 times higher, respectively. Harvesting efficiency was thus higher in both pruned systems (AF: 7.3 kg/Workday, SFwP: 6.7 kg/WD), compared to the unpruned system (4.4 kg/WD). Our results underline the delicate balance between the practice of pruning, aiming at facilitating and concentrating the harvest at a limited height, and its effect on cacao physiology. Yet, association in AF shows that in completely managed

Cacao Nacional Boliviano (CNB) is the denomination for cacao derived from wild populations found in the Bolivian Amazon, traditionally collected by local communities. But cultivation surfaces are increasing as CNB beans are recognised internationally for their organoleptic qualities. So far, little selection has been done on the semi-wild populations cultivated and agricultural practices might have to be adapted to better support farmers’ livelihoods. We studied three different agricultural systems: CNB in agroforestry with bananas, fruit and timber trees with a management focusing on weeding and cacao pruning (AF); CNB planted in the cleared understory of a largely unmanaged secondary forest with (SFwP) or without (SFnP) cacao tree pruning. We monitored the yearly dry bean yield, labour time required for field activities, and resulting efficiencies of these three systems on plots established in 2012. Cacao was planted using CNB progenies from locally selected trees. In all systems, the first cocoa pods matured 4 years after planting; production increased significantly in the 6th year and again between the 9th and 11th year. Cumulative dry yields in this third phase (2020-2022) were highest in SFnP (911.2 kg/ha), followed by AF (591.2 kg/ha) and SFwP (277.8 kg/ha). Heavy pruning was labour-intensive (up to 56% of total labour time) and limited yields but increased harvesting efficiency in the following years without pruning. In 2020-2022, harvesting in SFnP was 5 times more laborious as in SFwP and 2.7 times more as in AF, while its yield was only 3.3 and 1.5 times higher, respectively. Harvesting efficiency was thus higher in both pruned systems (AF: 7.3 kg/Workday, SFwP: 6.7 kg/WD), compared to the unpruned system (4.4 kg/WD). Our results underline the delicate balance between the practice of pruning, aiming at facilitating and concentrating the harvest at a limited height, and its effect on cacao physiology. Yet, association in AF shows that in completely managed

Quality data is the key commodity of research projects. But with the size of a research project, number of parties involved and range of data collected, the complexity of data management increases significantly. In long-term experiments (LTE), continuity and comparability of collected data throughout the study duration is important but being challenged by personnel changes and development in infrastructure and technology, as well as changes to the trial itself. Managing a longterm trial remotely at field sites in the tropics adds another layer of challenges, including timely transfer of new data, time consuming pre-processing and validation of data between field and scientific staff, data literacy of local field staff and language barriers due to varying levels of English and local languages within the project team. We share our challenges in data management and the strategies and tools used in the context of two LTE trials with field sites in India and Bolivia, managed by local partner organizations and coordinated by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Switzerland, highlighting the technical infrastructure in use, definition of responsibilities and workflows. Our main considerations are a) finding a balance between data security, easy and timely sharing of data in both directions and minimising number of different data repositories and file versions, b) the use of simple, well-known tools that are flexible enough to consider (evolving) needs of different involved parties including field staff, and c) the importance of quick data availability for analysis to serve as a basis for decision making in trial management.

Ist der Ökologische Landbau eine Antwort auf die Düngemittelkrise? Ergebnisse von 15 Jahren Langzeitforschung in den Tropen.

SysCom was initiated to provide evidence for the performance and viability of organic agricultural cropping systems in the tropics. While case studies and long term studies were available for temperate zones, little scientifically backed-up evidence was available to assess the potential of organic agriculture in sustainable development in countries within the tropical climate. Thus in 2007 long term trials in India, Bolivia and Kenya were established, comparing in each country two organic systems with two conventional systems based on locally relevant cropping systems and main crops (cotton, cocoa, maize). Combining the existing practical examples and recommendations from local agricultural institutions organic and conventional treatment were designed, putting high emphasis on the local relevancy and prevalent practices. After the systems established it became clear that organic systems in our long-term experiments (LTEs) were lacking behind in profitability and productivity, not offering a valuable approach for local farmers to sustain their livelihoods. In our analysis we had to realise that often a mere copy of conventional practices, substituting conventional with organic inputs would not suffice to provide solid evidence on the potential of organic agriculture in the tropics. Using the example of the SysCom program, we want to discuss the challenges and opportunities of adapting LTEs, confronting questions on how to adapt the three LTEs implemented in different countries to still be in nexus to each other, how to balance systems approaches to optimise the different compared treatments while still being comparable to each other and finally how to meet the golden mean of innovative and optimised farming approaches while being realistic and relevant to local contexts. The adaptations realised in the annual cropping system LTEs, such as changing input levels and seed material, introducing more complex intercropping patterns and crop rotations are proving to be valu

SysCom was initiated to provide evidence for the performance and viability of organic agricultural cropping systems in the tropics. While case studies and long term studies were available for temperate zones, little scientifically backed-up evidence was available to assess the potential of organic agriculture in sustainable development in countries within the tropical climate. Thus in 2007 long term trials in India, Bolivia and Kenya were established, comparing in each country two organic systems with two conventional systems based on locally relevant cropping systems and main crops (cotton, cocoa, maize). Combining the existing practical examples and recommendations from local agricultural institutions organic and conventional treatment were designed, putting high emphasis on the local relevancy and prevalent practices. After the systems established it became clear that organic systems in our long-term experiments (LTEs) were lacking behind in profitability and productivity, not offering a valuable approach for local farmers to sustain their livelihoods. In our analysis we had to realise that often a mere copy of conventional practices, substituting conventional with organic inputs would not suffice to provide solid evidence on the potential of organic agriculture in the tropics. Using the example of the SysCom program, we want to discuss the challenges and opportunities of adapting LTEs, confronting questions on how to adapt the three LTEs implemented in different countries to still be in nexus to each other, how to balance systems approaches to optimise the different compared treatments while still being comparable to each other and finally how to meet the golden mean of innovative and optimised farming approaches while being realistic and relevant to local contexts. The adaptations realised in the annual cropping system LTEs, such as changing input levels and seed material, introducing more complex intercropping patterns and crop rotations are proving to be valu

Bolivia is among the countries with the highest deforestation rates in Latin America due to the expansion of commercial agriculture, timber production, and mining activities. At the same time, smallholder farmers face challenges such as the impacts of climate change, soil degradation, and unstable market prices. Local and international actors have promoted dynamic agroforestry (DAF) as an approach to improve living conditions, restore natural habitats and increase adaptive capacity for over two decades. Currently, stakeholders involved in promoting DAF in the Alto Beni region of Bolivia seek to understand better how the approach has integrated with and potentially changed local socio-ecological realities. Accordingly, our goal was to explore whether DAF training and the possible implementation of DAF have contributed to new ways of doing, knowing, meaning, and organising in smallholder agroecosystems in the study area. We draw on relational concepts, including nonhuman agency and the emphasis on dynamics and processes, to frame our research interest. We used participant observation, interviews, narrative walks, and a mapping exercise to address the research question with twenty farmers and other stakeholders in the region. Preliminary results indicate that participating in the DAF training has indeed created space for exchange, reconsideration, and re-strengthening of social-ecological relations. By engaging more deeply with the roles and needs of flora, fauna and soil, feelings of kinship were rekindled, according to participants. We suggest that this perception shift towards reciprocity and care will play a major role in initiating long-term changes in farming practices. The participants also attempted to raise awareness and encourage their family and community members to cease practicing shifting cultivation and to diversify their production systems. Ongoing follow-up activities and consistent communication with promoting organisations will be essential for maint

In den Tropen haben Agroforstsysteme eine lange Tradition. Die syntropische Landwirtschaft oder dynamische Agroforstwirtschaft hat deren Erfahrungen aufgegriffen. Erste Betriebe in Europa versuchen nun, sie in ihre landwirtschaftliche Praxis zu übersetzen. Johanna Rüegg hat sich mit Rosanna Gahler und Joachim Milz darüber unterhalten, wie dies gelingen kann.

This factsheet discusses some best organic practices for good yields in ecological organic systems, the role of diversity, and highlights some opportunities and challenges with selected crops in organic production. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across different countries in Africa, as well as Bolivia and India. Further products in the series, e.g., posters, videos and more, are linked in the 'Further information' section on the last page of this factsheet.

This factsheet introduces: how organic farmers can team up with a diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms to increase their ability to adapt to changes and reduce risks. It describes farming practices that support biodiversity and adaptation to a changing climate and highlights some benefits that biodiversity can provide for farmers and society. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across different countries in Africa, as well as Bolivia and India. Further products in the series, e.g., posters, videos and more, are linked in the ‘Further information’ section on the last page of this factsheet.

In the “simple” agroforestry systems implemented in the SysCom trial in Bolivia, the density of accompanying trees is 300 trees per ha, in addition to which cocoa is combined with bananas and coffee. In this video Joachim Milz, director of Ecotop, shares an observation made on the coffee plants in the plots. In the video Joachim builds the hypothesis and shares his experiences, that the observed coffee thread blight is the consequence of the lack of stratification in the medium-upper to emerging stratum. The video demonstrates that interactions between species in nature are complex and that it is important to observe them before acting. It also shows that system management makes it possible to work without chemical or biological inputs. Stratification management is especially important in dynamic or multi-strata agroforestry systems, to give each species the space it needs to develop and to allow for light and air to enter.

Klimaneutrales Wirtschaften ist angesichts des immer deutlicher wahrnehmbaren und anthropogen bedingten Klimawandels eine gesellschaftliche Notwendigkeit, die von allen Wirtschaftsbereichen erbracht werden muss. Dieser Notwendigkeit muss sich auch die Landwirtschaft, und insbesondere die auf Nachhaltigkeit fokussierte biologische Landwirtschaft stellen. Dabei wird Klimaneutralität im Sinne eines „Net Zero bzw. Net Zero Carbon Emission“ wie folgt definiert und erreicht: Für ein Betrieb, Produkt, Unternehmen oder Wirtschaftsbereich werden zunächst alle Treibhausgas (THG)-Emissionen – in der Regel Methan (CH4), Lachgas (N2O) und Kohlenstoffdioxid (CO2) – gemessen oder berechnet und zu einem CO2-Fussabdruck kombiniert. Um die Net Zero Emission zu erreichen stehen nun drei Stellschrauben zur Verfügung: 1. Maximale Reduktion der THG Emissionen; 2. Kompensation der unvermeidlichen THG-Emissionen durch dauerhafte C-Speicherung (Sequestrierung) im eigenen Wirkungsbereich; und 3. Kompensation der unvermeidlichen THG-Emissionen an anderer Stelle. Ziel der vorliegenden Vorstudie war es, erstmals gesondert für den biologischen Landbau in der Schweiz den CO2-Fussabdruck dieses Wirtschaftsbereiches abzuschätzen und die Möglichkeit der Erreichung des Net Zero Zustands zu bewerten. Dazu haben wir in einer Literaturanalyse den Stand des Wissens zu Wirksamkeit und Umsetzbarkeit von THG-Reduktionsstrategien für im Bereich der biologischen Landwirtschaft zusammengestellt.

Introduction to Swiss agroforestry systems as well as the work on agroforestry at FiBL.

La transición hacia sistemas agrícolas sostenibles y regenerativos es necesaria y urgente en vista a la crisis climática y de biodiversidad, la pérdida de bosques y la degradación de suelos. En Bolivia encontramos experiencias que muestran que es posible una producción que reconcilia la actividad económica con los principios de la vida, imitando la naturaleza y favoreciendo la regeneración de los ecosistemas. Las experiencias en Bolivia con la producción de cacao orgánico en sistemas agroforestales diversificados y con agroforestería dinámica son únicas: Experiencias importantes incluyen las de El Ceibo, la primera productora de cacao orgánico certificado con sus productores y productoras trabajando bajo sistemas agroforestales (desde 1977), Ecotop con el desarrollo de sistemas agroforestales sucesionales o dinámicos (desde 1995) y el proyecto de investigación internacional SysCom Bolivia comparando monocultivos y diferentes tipos de sistemas agroforestales (desde 2008). En este video diferentes actores comparten las experiencias de la región de Alto Beni y demuestran que sistemas agroforestales - productivos y sostenibles - son una alternativa real, a la agricultura convencional con uso de agroquímicos. Estos encuentros pueden cambiar nuestras prácticas agrícolas y forestales, nuestra visión de cómo nos queremos alimentar como sociedad, y hasta cómo procedemos en la ciencia.

Our results show that agroforestry systems and organic farming support both food production and biodiversity.

Participatory agroforestry design – a flexible approach for locally adapted systems

Agroforestry systems for cocoa production are commonly promoted for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as for food security and risk mitigation. Generally, these systems include timber, legume or fruit trees. Sucessional or dynamic agroforestry systems represent a special type of design and management approach, using high densities and diversity of trees and crops occupying different strata and with varying life cycles. Here we present yields of three organic cocoa production systems entering the mature stage from a long-term trial in Bolivia: A complex successional dynamic agroforestry system (SAFS), a simpler but diversified agroforestry system (AF ORG) and a cocoa monoculture (MONO ORG). Average cocoa yields in the mature phase (9-11 years) were highest in MONO ORG (1520 kg/ha), followed by the AF ORG (910 kg/ha), and lowest in SAFS (790 kg/ha) (yields considering the 8 best yielding clones out of 12. Total system yields in both types of agroforestry systems (dry matter) were 3.5 to 4 times higher than in monocultures over the 11 years. This was mainly due to banana production in AF ORG and from a multitude of by-crops in SAFS. While in young SAFS(until 8 years) crops like cassava, and pineapple were contributing to total yields, peach palm was the most relevant by-crop in the mature phase with around 4 t/ha fresh yields. Additional interesting crops were ginger and curcuma, that growing under the cocoa in SAFS yielded around 1 kg of fresh tubers per m2. The results demonstrate how different crops can be associated with cocoa while still reaching elevated cocoa yields. The potential of agroforestry systems to sustainably intensify production on one surface is high and could still be optimised with the use of improved and locally selected varieties of cocoa and by-crops. Different designs of agroforestry systems can contribute to diversification of diets and incomes of producing families and regions.

In the project "Long-term comparison of cocoa production systems (SysCom Bolivia)" five cocoa production systems are investigated: conventional and organic monoculture, conventional and organic agroforestry systems, and dynamic successional agroforestry systems with organic management. In this video Viki Villka and Julio Ticona present the Sara Ana Centre and the SysCom trial.

In agroforestry systems, an additional benefit can be generated by using the herbaceous layer to grow plants such as ginger or turmeric. These plants do well in the shade and profit from the layer of organic matter in agroforestry systems. In this video, Victor Soto from the Sara Ana Research and Training Centre shows how this practice is being applied in the SysCom research project in Bolivia.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is commonly produced in full-sun monoculture cropping systems to increase yields in the short term. Nevertheless, cocoa is a suitable crop for production under shaded conditions and is traditionally cultivated in agroforestry systems in Latin America. To ensure productivity and profitability, however, the development of best practices for shade management is crucial, but shade tree pruning is not commonly practised. This study investigates the influence of pruning shade trees in cocoa-based organic agroforestry systems in Bolivia on agronomic and economic performance. Four organic agroforestry farms were selected, where shade trees were not pruned for at least 10 years. At each site, half of the plot was kept unpruned and the other half was pruned, while all other management practices were kept equal. Data on yield formation were collected subsequently for two harvesting seasons. The trial results show a significant increase in cocoa yield under pruning conditions ranging from 28 % to 82 % compared to unpruned plots. This is attributed to an increase in flowering and fruit set in pruned plots. No differences in the incidence of pests and diseases in the pods were found between both treatments. To evaluate, whether pruning shows an economic benefit for farmers, different scenarios of yield increase based on the minimum, average, and maximum yield of local cocoa producers were used. Other sources of income, such as by-crops, were not considered in the calculations. For the average yield level of 287.4 kg ha−1 (dry), an increase of 51 % in two consecutive years will cover the pruning costs. Despite the promising results and indication, that the yield increase will last for more than two years, the initial costs for pruning might still discourage farmers. Therefore, financing programs for farmers that support agroforestry tree pruning are necessary to increase both cocoa production and farmer’s income.

Agroforestry systems for cocoa production are commonly promoted for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as for food security and risk mitigation. Generally, these systems include timber, legume or fruit trees, and sometimes additional crops. Knowledge gaps exist about the economic performance of cocoa based agroforestry systems, including the by-crops. Here we present the economic performance of 5 cocoa production systems from planting to entering the mature stage (11 years). In a long-term trial in Bolivia, a gradient of complexity from monocultures, agroforestry systems to successional agroforestry systems (SAFS) is studied. Additionally, for monocultures and agroforestry, conventional and organic management are compared, while SAFS are managed organically. Income was calculated taking into account yields of cocoa, fruit trees and by-crops with farm gate prices. Only for cocoa organic premium prices were reached and taken into account. Labour time was registered for management, input preparation and post-harvest. Cocoa yields were lower in the agroforestry systems compared with monocultures, and lowest in SAFS. For monocultures, they were higher under conventional management, while in agroforestry systems management had no influence. Total system yields in agroforestry systems (dry matter) were 3–4 times higher than in monocultures. This was mainly due to banana production in agroforestry systems and from a diversity of by-crops in SAFS. Income over all years was comparable among all systems. In agroforestry systems, cocoa was responsible for more than 50 % of the income, while in SAFS the share of cocoa was smaller, as some crops like pineapples or peach palm had good markets in the region. The income generated per workday invested during the whole period did not differ between the systems. Income analysis shows the importance of cocoa as a cash crop, but also the potential of by-crops depending on the development of their

Unlike cacao monocultures, cacao agroforestry systems offer a wide range of additional ecosystem services and values to the farmers, such as (i.a. regulating pests and diseases, balancing the understory climate and carbon sequestration) and enable a higher independence from the main crop by generating a potential additional income. To assess the standing timber volume and value, a tree inventory was conducted in 2017 in 16 smallholder cacao agroforestry plots in Alto Beni, Bolivia. Farmers and experts were interviewed to identified the challenges for the timber production in these agroforestry systems. The timber trees on the plots had mainly an age of about 10 20 years (mean 15.5 years) but some trees were also in the range between 2–40 years. A total number of 2’941 trees were counted on all the plots and 20 % of it were Swietenia macrophylla, which makes it the most popular timber species. Other very common species were Myroxylon balsamum (12 %), Amburana cearensis (11 %) and Centrolobium ochroxylum (10 %). The average timber tree density was 230 trees/ha and the standing timber volume was 46 m3/ha. The standing timber per plot had an estimated average value of 12’947 USD/ha at the time. Because of lack of professional timber processing, such as timber transportation and sawmill, the loss in timber volume is estimated around 40 %. Additionally, farmers are challenged with trimming and pruning of trees as well as with the legal requirements. With the aim to increase farmer’s income from timber trees we suggest the following measures at three levels: (1) improving plantation layout (density, layout, species) and tree management (criteria for selection for cut off trees, trimming and pruning); (2) to support a more professional timber logging and processing to decrease losses and (3) to create service providers such as farmer owned cooperatives for logging, sawing, registration of trees and logging permits.

Eine Einführung in die Forschung des FiBL im Bereich Agroforstsysteme und Kakaoanbau, mit Fokus auf die vielfältigen Produkte, die in Agroforstsystemen produziert werden können. Bilder aus dem Langzeitversuch für Kakaoanbausysteme in Bolivien. Porträt aufgenommen für die virtuelle Präsenz am Schoggifestival 2020.