PLACA in the field: Interview with 2023 regional contest winner Richard Intriago
"PLACA's recognition has been a significant boost for our team, validating years of effort and dedication, and has inspired us to continue working with more determination" - Richard Intriago
June 6, 2024 118 projects were received in the second version of the Regional Competition "Low-cost and/or local resource-based technological solutions", organised by the Thematic Working Group on Knowledge Management of the Platform of Latin America and the Caribbean for Climate Action on Agriculture (PLACA).
The first place winner of the Regional Contest 2023 is Richard Intriago. Richard is an Agricultural Engineer, PhD. in Agroecology, researcher, farmer, ecologist, undergraduate and postgraduate teacher, writer and Ecuadorian politician. We decided to talk to him in order to learn more about his project and his experience with the Platform.
- How was the initiative to create organic bulk fertiliser biofactories to tackle the food crisis born?
The initiative to create organic fertiliser biofactories began several years ago as an effort to offer sustainable alternatives to farmers. However, it gained further momentum when the war between Russia and Ukraine led to a significant increase in agrochemical prices, leaving many farmers without the means to produce their food. This situation led us to adopt biofactories as a sustainable and economical solution, allowing farmers to access low-cost organic fertilisers and continue to produce food both for self-consumption and to supply cities.
- How did you come to the Climate Action Platform and why did you decide to apply for the Regional Competition?
We discovered the Climate Action Platform through an advertisement on social media. We decided to apply for the Regional Competition because we saw it as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our initiative. The theme of the call was aligned with our mission to produce food in a sustainable way in the context of the current climate crisis. We felt that our proposal was coherent and relevant to the current needs of the planet.
- Since winning the PLACA competition, what progress has your project made?
Since winning the PLACA competition, we have made significant progress. We have developed two additional biofactory prototypes with improved technology, incorporating new systems to facilitate fertiliser processing and improving their formulations. This has resulted in technology packages that provide farmers with access to high-quality organic fertilisers. In addition, we have strengthened our sustainable marketing network, ensuring that communities earn a higher percentage of income to sustain the project. We have expanded our presence in several regions of Ecuador, including the Coast, the Sierra and the Amazon, and are in discussions with communities in Colombia. In El Salvador, we are implementing a third biofactory prototype designed to be shipped anywhere in the world where it is needed.
- How has the Climate Action Platform helped with the visibility of your technology solution?
The publication of PLACA has been fundamental to increase the visibility of our project. Thanks to their support, our work has gained recognition not only in Ecuador, but also in other countries. Many organisations, institutions and communities have seen our initiative as a sustainable alternative. This has motivated numerous people to implement biofactories in their own communities. PLACA's recognition has been a significant boost for our team, validating years of effort and dedication, and has inspired us to continue working with more determination.
- What would you like to say to other researchers in Latin America and the Caribbean about continuing to work on low-cost solutions to address climate change?
To other researchers in Latin America and the Caribbean, I would tell them to focus their research on the current needs of humanity, looking for low-cost solutions to address climate change. It is crucial that our work as researchers generates practical and beneficial results for humanity. Do not falter in the process; every positive result we achieve contributes to a better future for humanity, the planet and agriculture. Perseverance in our research is key to achieving better days for all.
Registrations for the 2024 Regional Competition are open until july 30. For more information visit:
https://accionclimaticaplaca.org/en/listing/concurso-regional-2024/