SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SARD)
DIVERSIFIED
SUGARCANE PRODUCTS AND IMPROVEMENT OF CRUZ VERDE COMMUNITY
Since1993, the Cruz Verde community of Monte Plata, Dominican Republic has developed production and industrialization technologies for sugarcane and has promoted an organic agriculture scheme. The project, which received financial support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, also involved small producers from other Central American countries with experience in the manufacture of sugarcane products and by-products.
The conceptualisation of this project and strategies employed for its implementation led to the generation of a new model for community development. The model uses a participatory community philosophy and promotes harmony between ecological and economic aspects in the process of enhancing rural development. Participatory decision making and the implementation of programmes in environmental and ecological education promoted greater awareness among residents of their responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. Training was also provided in the use of organic agriculture systems, and a trade school was established to transfer skills in carpentry and cabinet-making.
In addition to the long-term benefits and increased capacity among members of the community, residents were able to market a range of non-traditional sugarcane products, such as organic sugar, bricks for ovens and stoves, paper, cardboard and juices. The sale of these items contributed directly to an improved quality of life for 4,000 persons, 50% of whom were women. This project has demonstrated that sustainability can be fostered through private initiative and community participation, while simultaneously attaining ecological harmony and economic benefits.