Qual foi o desafio/problema abordado?
Drought situations are increasingly common in mainland Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo. In those times, those who have cattle are obliged to buy straw and feed to feed the animals, with high costs for agricultural exploitation, limiting their activity in a decisive way. Opuntia ficus-indica is a species that grows naturally in semi-arid areas and has fast growth, high biomass and very low maintenance / production cost. Being very desirable for cattle, its use in animal feed leads to significant increases in milk and meat production, simultaneously reducing feed costs, especially during periods of drought. This practical case developed tests to assess the needs and opportunities of the crop, identification of cultural practices (planting, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pest identification and control, harvesting) that promote its rapid development and profitability. In a second stage, the development of tools to support the use of Opuntia as fodder for sheep, goats and cows was promoted, with the aim of minimizing costs, increasing animal growth and milk production.
Quais são os fatores de sucesso na resolução do problema?
Knowledge transfer from dry regions like Brasil; Interaction with experts from Brasil and EMBRAPA; 4 demonstration farms with different climate conditions; demonstrate the benefits applicable to the entire value chain
Quais foram os principais desafios durante o processo de inovação?
Develop a balanced diet for livestock; define the size of the crop area in relation to the number of available cattle; resistance to change by some farmers
Qual o papel do consultor ou serviço de consultoria no caso prático?
Consultivo, Consultoria e backstopping destinados a resolver problemas complexos, a ser fornecido durante o processo de inovação e com base nas demandas dos atores e na co-construção de soluções, Exigir articulação, Para permitir que os atores tenham acesso a novas idéias, identificar suas necessidades, Defina seus objetivos e expressar demandas claras para outros atores, Facilitação e corretora de rede, Para ajudar a organizar ou fortalecer as redes, melhorar as relações entre os principais atores e alinhar os serviços para poder se complementar, Enhancing/supporting access to resources by facilitating access to inputs, facilities and funding, Ampliar a inovação para aumentar a aceitação por um grupo mais amplo
Para compartilhar a experiência do caso prático, entre em contato
Ricardo Brito Paes
ricardobritopaes@hotmail.com