AID grant no. 526-0616-G-SS-9002-00 to the Salesian Missions of the Salesian Society for the establishment of a natural resources conservation center for the demonstration and training in agricultural practices appropriate for the rational management of Paraguay"s natural resources

The center will be used to demonstrate and provide training in sustainable agricultural practices, with emphasis on irrigation and agroforestry. IAS will utilize 50 ha of grasslands and fields to establish a model agroforestry unit, and another 60 ha, watered by a natural spring, to establish a plot for demonstration projects. Following an inventory of the center"s natural resources, specific projects will be designed. One of these projects will combine cattle herding and agroforestry. Others will demonstrate water extraction, storage, and use for irrigation; drainage; pest control; establishment of nurseries for fruit and forest seedlings; and the use of wind power, biogas, solar, and hydraulic energy. Longer-term projects will seek to develop self-sufficient technologies that protect the natural resource base while producing farm income. Successful technologies will be disseminated in several ways, but primarily by incorporating them into the IAS curriculum. Other means of dissemination will include farmer field days, short courses for extension and research personnel, and publications.