International Food Day, established by the UN and celebrated on October 16, aims to raise awareness around the world about the challenges related to food security and sustainability. The climate crisis, environmental degradation and social inequality require the adoption of food systems that promote self-sufficiency and the regeneration of ecosystems.
One solution that has proven its effectiveness is the Agroforestry System (SAF), which is being implemented by the Flower of the Sacred Tepui Light-Community of Roraima, and promoted by the Roraima Humanitarian Mission through the Indigenous Cultural and Training Centre (CCFI), under the management of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Missions (FIHM).
Agroforestry system, ancestral knowledge in force
The SAF is an ancestral method that combines the planting of trees and agricultural crops, reproducing the dynamics of natural ecosystems. This practice not only contributes to diversified food production, but also improves soil quality and promotes biodiversity.
In the Flower of the Sacred Tepui Light-Community, in Roraima, the implementation of the SAF has made it possible to recover degraded soils and create a space for progressive self-sufficiency. Friar Faustino, a monk of the Grace Mercy Order and precursor of the project, explained that this system seeks to regenerate the soil and create conditions for balanced planting, which regulates itself, as occurs naturally in forests.
This type of initiative reinforces one of the principles of the Light-Communities: love for nature and care for the Plant Kingdom. Through a support network, seeds, inputs and seedlings were obtained from different sources, consolidating relationships with local institutions. The agroforestry not only seeks self-sufficiency for the community, but also hopes to expand its reach by donating surpluses to vulnerable populations.
Collaborative work as a pillar of agroforestry practice
A key aspect in the implementation of these systems has been collaboration with indigenous communities, especially the Pemons-Taurepangs. These indigenous peoples, who migrated from Venezuela to Brazil, have found in agroforestry a way to give their communities a positive boost. As Ricardo Rodríguez, a member of the pemon community, comments, “the agroforestry technique is a new experience for us, which we will be able to teach in our communities, contributing to the self-sufficiency they need.”
Thanks to an exchange promoted by the Indigenous Cultural and Training Centre (CCFI), several members of the Pemon-Taurepang community received agroforestry training in the Figueira Light-Community, in Minas Gerais. For two months, they learned not only about planting, but also about water management, food processing and seed conservation. Friar Renatto, who was responsible for the training, points out that this exchange was enriching for both parties, creating a space for sharing knowledge.
In addition to this exchange, the indigenous people have been of great help in implementing the agroforestry system in the Light-Community of Roraima. Through their participation in the voluntary community work days, the “mutirões”, they have contributed their strength and wisdom to the regeneration of the soil and the planting of crops. According to Friar Thomas, coordinator of the Light-Community of Roraima, “cooperative work and the union of efforts are pillars for the implementation of this system”.
Fruitful efforts
The agroforestry project in the Flower of the Sacred Tepui Light-Community has been developed on an area of just over half a hectare, with around 500 fruit trees, including bananas and coconuts. The cultivation of manioc already meets the needs of the Light-Community and soon bananas will also contribute.
The agroforestry is also a learning space. The Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM), in a joint effort with the Flower of the Sacred Tepui Light-Community of Roraima, held a new agroforestry management course in 2024 for the Pemon indigenous people, who, in turn, will replicate this knowledge in their communities. In addition, natural fertilization techniques are being implemented, using organic waste to regenerate the soil. All this care is reflected in the vital quality of the food produced.
Friar Thomas concludes that this project not only offers healthy food, but also promotes a deep connection with nature, regenerating both the land and human consciousness.
Watch the following video to find out more about the enriching experience with the indigenous communities. Friar Thomas and Ricardo Rodríguez, an indigenous Pemon, share their testimony, the fruit of their collaborative work.
Sustainability is the way forward
International Food Day reminds us of the importance of adopting sustainable food systems. Agroforestry, as a revitalized ancestral practice, not only responds to the need for food production, but also promotes ecological regeneration and the empowerment of vulnerable communities. The Roraima Humanitarian Mission and its collaborators, the Indigenous Cultural and Training Centre, the indigenous communities, are demonstrating that cooperation and respect for nature can open paths to a more equitable and sustainable future.
