Natural Habitats
Impact Report 2021/2022
18
Natural Habitats
Impact Report 2021/2022
19
WILFRIDO MACIAS
FARMER WITH A VISION
SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THE FARMER Wilfrido Macias has been a farmer his entire life. His parents were farmers too, and now his 26 year old daughter, Camilla, is preparing to take over the farm one day. Wilfrido owns 2 plantations that grow oil palms, which together span 150 hectares. Not all of the land is planted with crops, as about 36 hectares are set aside as a conservation area. Wilfrido previously farmed bananas, which is a very demanding crop, and became a very skilled and technical farmer. He aims to increase his oil palm yield and is actively looking to fertilize his soil using organic inputs. As the President of the Quevedo Farmers Association, Wilfrido has an eye for engaging farm workers, their families and their communities. He sets a good example, ensuring contracts and social security are in place, and providing good housing, water, electricity and nutritious food for his workers. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HOW THEY WORK When Wilfrido bought plantation Isabela, it had been abandoned for 10 – 15 years and used for cattle grazing. A lot of work had to be done to prepare the plantation for oil palm cultivation. Now, Wilfrido employs 7 workers to help manage this plantation. Transitioning an oil palm plantation to using organic practices involves many adaptations and a lot of care. Eradicating pests can only be done using natural pest control, such as setting traps using pineapple & melasse to draw beetles away from the oil palms. To naturally fertilize the land and retain water, a rich layer of under cropping, with a huge diversity of plants needs to be in place. To maintain these crops and to control weeds, several cows graze in the plantation. At the same time, their dung adds nitrogen to the soil which is important for palm productivity.
The steep slopes on the farm pose a challenge for harvesting, which is why mules are used. Good animal care is part organic and sustainable practices. WIlfrido ensures the animals are well cared for, training with patience and letting them rest after working. Every 3 months a vet comes to check them. Part of the steep slopes serve as a conservation area, where reforestation took place with fruit trees. Not only does this attract and provide refuge for wildlife, but the fruit trees also provide food. Wilfrido has spotted special wildlife in the plantation, such as tiny jaguars, called tigrillo. And otters can be found in the nearby river.
WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE COLLABORATING WITH NATURAL HABITATS
Eradicating the use of toxic chemicals is important to Wilfrido. Organic and sustainable farming brings an equilibrium between productivity and taking care of the environment. This is a very different approach to the green revolution, during which machines and chemicals took over to boost yields. Unfortunately this resulted in many of the issues we face today. Wilfrido and Camilla appreciate the social and environmental components of the relationship with Natural Habitats. They like to use their approach as a model for other farmers. As the President of the Quevedo Farmers Association, Wilfrido aims to focus on training and raising awareness. For instance, in financial management, and in health and nutrition. He wants to support people to live healthier and better lives, and wants to make the farming communities stronger.
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