We want to transform desert into productive ground using natural techniques and to share our story with a wider community to inspire others.
A LOOK AT ANDALUSIA TODAY
Andalusia is at breaking point. The area is seriously suffering from desertification and degradation of the soil as a result of extensive monocultural and agricultural farming practices over many generations. With the soil becoming less and less productive, the local economy is declining and unemployment rates are increasing, forcing residents out of the area. Each year as things get dryer, water shortages become more common and wells are drying up. There is high demand for our precious water to be bought in. Local farmers are struggling to sell their products profitably and sustainably, land is poorly managed and deteriorating with each passing year. This is contributing to an alarming desertification process that threatens to take over the south of Spain in the next few years.
The soil here is largely unproductive, without the artificial aid of heavy chemical input, and uses extraordinary amounts of scarce water. We quickly learned that the same agriculture that supported families and communities in centuries past is today aided by EU grants, promoting practices that feed into the destruction of natural resources and local economies while masking the symptoms.
However, the province of Cádiz is fast becoming a pioneer in eco-agriculture projects that are a reference to the rest of Spain.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
We have a dream to reverse the desertification processes that destroy the land, starting with our own.
Here at Danyadara, we have converted desolate patches of land into abundant edible and decorative gardens using only techniques that imitate nature without the use of any artificial aids and permaculture design.
Led by farm manager Jacob Evans and his dedicated team of volunteers from around the globe, each day sees new projects grow. From planting seedlings, tending to the hot compost heap and watering our thirsty trees to giving the gardens and soil much needed nourishment.
To reverse the degradation and desertification processes that plague the land, we have a number of goals to achieve. Over time we hope to:
-
- Regenerate our soil in natural ways so it becomes fully productive, filled with new life.
- Transform the landscape from monoculture to a diverse ecosystem where biodiversity flourishes.
- Integrate the use of animals to graze the land.
- Gradually increase the percentage of our own food that we consume and to grow crops that are not traditionally grown in this area so as to minimise the need to buy imported products.
- Become an ecological, sustainable organisation that one day creates jobs and sells quality produce.
- Become an eco-tourism destination through education around ecological farming
- Collaborate with other projects to renew hope in the area and form a sense of community.
August 2017 will see the launch of our crowdfunding campaign, in which we are aiming to raise €40,000. Everything raised will go directly towards essential equipment and converting our 18 acre dry wheat field into an abundant, flourishing food forest. We are actively trying to enlist the help of the local community, consultants, agriculture and environmental enthusiasts and of course, you! We invite you to be part of this dream, give us some support by liking our page on Facebook, following us on Instagram and clicking here to donate.
Together we have an opportunity to really make a difference.
