Local Initiative in Portugal Transforms Abandoned Farmland into Thriving Agroforestry Project

LISBON – A community-driven project in southern Portugal has turned over 300 acres of neglected farmland into a sustainable agroforestry initiative, aiming to boost local food security, reduce carbon emissions, and preserve the area’s biodiversity.

In the small town of Alentejo, a group of local farmers, environmentalists, and volunteers has joined forces to cultivate a mix of crops and native tree species in a way that not only revives the land but also benefits the local economy. The initiative, named “Roots of Alentejo,” seeks to revitalize the region’s agricultural sector, which has faced a decline due to changing climate conditions and a lack of young farmers.

The project began with the planting of cork oak and olive trees, as well as diverse fruit trees like figs, almonds, and pomegranates. Interspersed between the trees are rows of vegetables and herbs, including beans, carrots, rosemary, and lavender. This layered approach, inspired by agroforestry principles, aims to maximize land use while providing natural pest control and improving soil health.

“We realized that the traditional monoculture system was not working for us,” said Teresa Silva, one of the project leaders and a longtime resident of Alentejo. “By integrating different plant species and focusing on what the land can naturally support, we’re hoping to create a model for sustainable farming that others in the region can adopt.”

The initiative has gained support from both local and national authorities, who see it as a way to address the dual challenges of climate change and rural depopulation. As Portugal faces hotter, drier summers and erratic rainfall patterns, the need for resilient agricultural practices has become more pressing.

Roots of Alentejo also engages the community in educational workshops and field trips, inviting schoolchildren, young adults, and even retirees to learn about sustainable farming techniques. Over the past year, the project has organized more than 30 workshops, and the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive.

The founders hope that “Roots of Alentejo” will not only be a source of food for the local area but also a hub for ecotourism. Plans are underway to add a visitor center and offer guided tours, allowing tourists to explore the orchards, learn about agroforestry, and even participate in seasonal harvests.

The project has already attracted attention from international organizations focused on sustainable development, with some pledging potential grants to expand the initiative further. Local farmers and residents alike are optimistic that this endeavor will breathe new life into Alentejo, making it a model for sustainable agriculture in Portugal and beyond.