Given this is a new approach to agro-forestry it is advisable that interventions in the plots be monitored for a certain period of time. Likewise, the whole process should be accompanied by training courses for technicians/extensionists and small farmers.

Ecotop recommends the following methodology:

• Participants are introduced to the topic.
• Identification of the parcels that will be organised (no larger than 2000m²)
• Planning the design of the parcel with small farmers and technicians.
• Small farmers and technicians organize seeds and plants to establish a plot.
• The instructor, the technicians and the small farmers establish a parcel together (during a season that guarantees adequate humidity for the germination and growth of the plants).

Organisation of a new parcel with corn, beans, hibiscus, cajanus, manioc, banana, pineapple, oranges, coffee, papaya, and all tree consortiums corresponding to the area (secondary, transition, primary) in a slash and burned parcel with little organic matter present in the soil.	The same parcel after 13 months. The species that were introduced along with the natural regeneration have created a dynamic system that covers the ground completely with vegetation and organic matter. The initial attack by the leaf cutting ants has diminished considerably.

• Preparation of a crop plan (map) of the parcel.
• Preparation of a report and an instruction guide to follow - up on the progress of the parcel - follow - up work plan.
• After 2 - 4 months, the instructor carries out an intervention with the technicians and small farmers (selective weeding, replanting) and the first crops are harvested (corn, beans and hibiscus). The progress of the parcel is documented in written and through photographs and a follow - up work plan is prepared.

Already the first year the farmer is able to harvest self-consumption crops (corn, beans, manioc, cajanus cajan) as well as others for marketing (hibiscus, papaya, bananas, pineapples).

Twice a year the small farmers, the technicians and the instructor selectively weed the parcel. This practice is reinforced with the realisation of more in depth courses.

Note: Parcel dynamics demand a different intervention every time. At first, the intervention is aimed at removing some grasses, cyperaceous or pyperaceous, depending on the area. Afterwards, interventions are concentrate on pruning of trees, stratification and management of bananas and others, as well as trying to uniformly cover the ground with organic matter produced in the same parcel.

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