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The Programme for Agroforestry Development (PRODAF) pioneered a new type of agroforestry extension in Costa Rica between 1987 and 1994. PRODAF was positioned under two national ministries (the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock - MAG and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mines - MINAE) and was supported by GTZ (German Technical Cooperation).
Agroforestry extension underpinned the following sectors:
- Environmental Education
- Promotion of training and technical assistance in agriculture and forestry
- Development of programmes for afforestation and agroforestry system
- Promotion/support of farmer's organisations
The approach was based on land user's participation at all stages.
The main purpose of the agroforestry extension approach was the development and promotion of sustainable production systems which were adapted to the local biophysical and socio-economic conditions. This was to enable environmentally friendly production on steep slopes while at the same time generating sufficient income for small and medium scale farmers in marginal areas of the Acosta-Puriscal region. In this case study shade growm coffee was identified to be a system that fulfilled these conditions. Another important objective was the involvement of all family members - including the younger generation.
In the first years PRODAF operated with a top-down development approach implementing technologies designed by specialists without consultation of land users. Local needs and experiences were not considered as a result both adoption of shade grown coffee was low and maintenance was poor despite initial incentives. The change to a participatory bottom-up approach with land users being represented in the steering committee (which during this period was absolutely innovative) increased acceptance among the majority of farmers towards shade grown coffee. Participation of land users during planning and implementation was rewarded with provision of tools, seeds, fertilizer and biocides (fully financed or subsidised). The technology was evaluated on the test plots within existing coffee plantations together with the land users. PRODAF's legacy has been an institutional change in Government policy towards extension.
