Quime village

Quime

Experimental Tree Farm and Nursery

Background

Quime is 240 kilometers from the city of La Paz. 15,000 people populate the steep valleys and mountain-sides that surround the town center. At 10,000 feet above sea level, Quime is located in an ecological transition zone where tropical and alpine air collide. The collision between warm, moist air originating in the Amazon Basin and cold Andean air descending from the glaciated peaks produces a warm, wet climate. Quime's temperate climate is perfect for cultivating fast-growing, water-demanding Eucalyptus trees; and since the introduction of the Eucalyptus tree 150 years ago, Quime residents have principally generated their income through tree cultivation.


Quime is an atypical rural town. Although isolated, Quime has electricity, telephones, potable water, and a well-equipped clinic. It is also located on one of two roads that connects the tropical Yungas with metropolitan areas. As a result, Quime is one of the larger towns in the province.

Despite Quime's adequate size, its social services, and its productive climate, the principal economic product, the Eucalyptus trees, is critically mismanaged. As a result, family income is barely sufficient to meet basic needs and the populace, especially teenagers, continually migrate to the cities in search of a better life.

Eucalyptus Tree Production:
Eucalyyptus Eucalyptus trees grow fast and straight. Within five years they can be used in construction. Moreover, after a tree has been initially harvested, new trees regenerate and up to fifteen generations of re-growth can be cultivated. Quime's trees are transported to the cities of La Paz and Oruro where an average eight-inch diameter stalk sells for 8 dollars. With proper management, a farmer can earn $5,000 dollars for each hectare, or approximately $1000 per hectare per year. The average annual income in Bolivia is $1200 dollars per year.

Problem

Many farmers, however, have never been taught proper tree management. For example, farmers do not prune the regeneration stalks. They allow an excess of three new trees to grow which slows the trees’ growth, decreases the trees’ length and width, and weakens the new trees’ resistance to disease.


Additionally, farmers do not protect the soil against erosion after they have cut down the trees. This is a critical mistake because Eucalyptus trees acidify the soil, thus inhibiting the growth of plants. Without the natural protection of undergrowth, rains easily strip the topsoil and reduce subsequent tree yields.

Solution

TERRA, in collaboration with Quime's Agrarian Center, area high school, and local government, will develop an educational, experimental research farm whose goals will be:

  1. to educate farmers on proper tree and soil management
  2. to conduct research to improve the economic return of Eucalyptus tree production
  3. to experiment with the production of different tree species with the intent of diversifying Quime's economy
  4. to investigate additional uses for tree products and by-products (e.g., using bees to produce exotic honey made from the pollen mix of Eucalyptus and Acacia trees; using felled Eucalyptus trees as hosts for shitake mushrooms)
  5. to develop a fish farm with the intent of creating a local micro-enterprise
  6. to partner with the high school to improve science education
  7. to create sources of income for the farm so that its operational budget is self-contained (a self-sustaining farm)
  8. to disseminate knowledge by hosting workshops and providing vocational training
  9. to train local people so that within ten years the farm is completely owned and operated by Quime residents.

Project Phases

This project has two phases. Phase One will be the construction of a tree nursery. A 10 m by 6 m greenhouse will be build on land near the high school. This land has been donated to TERRA by Rubin Urquiola.

Friends Phase two will be the development of the experimental farm two kilometers from the town center. The farm will initially occupy two hectares with the intent of increasing its size as activities expand. The educational center will consist of a two-room office adjacent to a covered outdoor classroom.

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Project Brief
Title:
Quime - Experimental Tree Farm and Nursery
Status:
Not Funded
Location:
Municipality of Quime, Province of Inquisivi, Bolivia
Participants:
TERRA Resource Development International, Don Rubin Urquiola, The Municipality of Quime
Cost:
Phase I:$6,000 USD
Phase II: $25,000 USD

Working to utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner