Nature-Based solution as strategy for Smallholder Farmers: a case study of Eldorado Cooperative in Brazil

Limited access exists regarding resources (e.g., machinery, equipment, technologies, etc.) and capabilities (skills, green strategies, sustainable practices, and training). With evidence on nature-based solutions (NBS), knowledge is needed to be translated into future policies and green strategies. The European Commission (EU) has officially defined NBS as cost-effective solutions inspired by and rooted in nature, simultaneously addressing environmental, social, and economic advantages while enhancing resilience. In this research, the empirical analysis is concentrated on a program funded by a European Foundation and implemented by local non-profit organisations. The sample is considered approximately 13 small farmers' families who are part of a larger community of 700 smallholder farmers deeply connected to and engaged in cooperative initiatives but facing barriers to accessing regular rural credit and understanding the process to be sustainable. The significance of the study is examining the NBS's theoretical context to the smallholder farmers (e.g., creating green strategies by learning from social innovation and knowledge) and practical benefits (e.g., co-creation of NBS requires collaborative governance, policymakers’ action, and inclusive narrative of mission for NBS to the farmers). Lastly, the study also enriches the participants' resilience in embarking on and understanding how to run a cooperative without resources and its role in farmers' market positioning.

Host: Felippe de Medeiros Oliveira

Speakers: Ana-Paula Fonseca (University of Dundee), Dr. Nobuiuki C. Ito (IBMEC, Brazil) & Dr. Felippe M. Oliveira (University of Dundee)

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