Burn Land or Plant Trees? Farmers in Bolivia Face a Critical Choice

Farmers in Bolivia are now faced with a dilemma following major wildfires: continue using fire to clear land for agriculture or start planting trees to address escalating drought issues. Approximately 10.7 million hectares of forest were lost to wildfires last year, a significant area impacting the ecosystem and agriculture in the region.

In the aftermath of the most catastrophic wildfires recorded in Bolivia, farmers are confronted with a critical decision regarding their agricultural practices. They must choose between continuing the practice of setting fires to clear land for farming or embarking on initiatives to plant trees in an effort to combat increasing drought conditions. According to the Bolivian Institute for Forest Research (IBIF), approximately 10.7 million hectares, which is roughly equivalent to the size of Portugal, of dry tropical forest were destroyed by flames in Bolivia’s eastern lowlands last year.

The pressing choice facing Bolivian farmers highlights the tension between traditional agricultural methods and the need for sustainable practices in the face of environmental challenges. As the land is already significantly affected by wildfires, the decision to either continue burning or to adopt reforestation efforts will have lasting implications for both the environment and local agriculture.

Original Source: www.northwestsignal.net