Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects various sectors, including agriculture.
In the vulnerable and impoverished regions of northern Peru, cacao farmers and their families face the brunt of climate change’s impact.
Recognizing the need for climate literacy in these communities, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT has commissioned the Captain Polo Academy to provide education and support to these farmers, local school teachers, and students. Join us on this incredible journey as we work towards sustainable, climate-smart agriculture in northern Peru! The project fits within the Project CLima Loca, funded by the EU Desira programme.
Cacao: A regional treasure
Northern Peru and southern Ecuador are renowned for producing some of the world’s finest chocolate, thanks to their exceptional cacao. Farmers in this region have embraced organic production methods to access certified cacao markets around the globe. Unfortunately, they face severe challenges due to extreme climate events such as prolonged droughts and devastating floods caused by phenomena like El Niño.
Climate Confusion and the Importance of Education
During my interactions with the farmers, it became evident that they lacked awareness and knowledge about climate change. The absence of climate education in local schools exacerbates this issue, despite Peru being a signatory of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The Alliance has recognized this gap and seeks to empower cacao producers, teachers, and school children with climate literacy through the Captain Polo Academy.
The Role of Captain Polo and Friends – empowering cacao producers
The outreach efforts led by local technicians from the Alliance and various other institutions focus on climate adaptation and promotion of climate-smart agriculture. By integrating climate-resilient practices, cacao producers can not only enhance their own resilience but also contribute to mitigating climate change. The trick is explaining all this in an engaging manner and to different age ranges – that’s where Captain Polo comes in! Through a range of engaging climate education materials, capacity building workshops, and interactive sessions, Captain Polo aims to impart knowledge and inspire positive action among the cacao producers and local schools. Additionally, a new cartoon character depicting the bird Furnarius leucopus, the northern cousin of the charismatic house-building Rufous Hornero, will be introduced to further enhance the educational materials with a local touch.
Exciting Times Ahead!
As the project unfolds, we will keep you updated on our progress and share stories from the local communities. The Captain Polo Academy is determined to bring climate literacy to vulnerable regions and foster sustainable productive practices among cacao farmers. Together, we can create a more resilient future, where agriculture and climate coexist harmoniously.
Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting project! Join us as we embark on this journey to empower cacao farmers, teachers, and students with climate literacy, one step at a time.
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