APA, Colinas Bajas : From

Abstract

The case of the Association of Agroforestry Producers of Zambrana-Chacuey (Asociación de Productores Agroforestales de Zambrana-Chacuey, APA) in the Dominican Republic is a successful example of how communities equipped with administrative and technical tools can develop agroforestry systems and, in less than 25 years, significantly improve the livelihoods of their members. During this time, the Association has transformed a once-deforested territory suffering from severe erosion into a forested landscape that now contributes to the local economy. The communities of Zambrana-Chacuey are located in the northeast of the country, in the municipality of Cotuí, approximately 102 km from the capital. The area covers around 225 km² and includes over 1,700 small landholdings, most of which are smaller than one hectare. The region has a subtropical climate, with an average annual rainfall of 1,800 mm and an average temperature of 25.4°C.