Environment

Soil & Water Conservation

CARE projects train farmers to effectively manage soil fertility and productivity over the long-term, both on their individual plots and on lands surrounding communities. CARE soil management activities use primarily locally available organic nutrients, such as ground covers, livestock manure, and household waste, and nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs. Soil management activities also focus on reducing soil erosion as well as gully and landslide control through, for example, terracing, vegetative cover, and strategically planted trees. In 2000, CARE has 40 projects that stress soil conservation.

CARE's Sustainable Land Use Management Project works with 9,000 farm families in the Ecuadorian Andes to improve their agricultural production and protect their natural resources through better land use practices. Through the project, CARE provides training in: improved agricultural methods such as crop rotation and soil fertility tests; pasture care for livestock; soil conservation through terracing and the use of trees and shrubs; integrated pest management; water and watershed management; and environmental education to participating families.