Food security through innovation: insights into the water lentil project in Serra Talhada and Mirandiba, Brazil

A delegation of representatives from GFA Consulting Group GmbH and IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH visited the innovative duckweed project in Mirandiba in north-eastern Brazil from Nov 11-13, 2024, which was implemented by IAK as part of the Innovation Dialogue on the Introduction of Water Lentils as an Ecological and Plant-based Protein Alternative in Brazil (ITD Water Lentil) funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

In 2023, a pilot project was set up in the Brazilian Sertão to produce plant-based protein based on water lentils and introduce it into a local value chain. In just seven months, in the semi-arid Sertão of Pernambuco, the pilot project succeeded in introducing water lentils into smallholder production and effectively integrating the local and federal institutional landscape of research, agricultural extension and local administration.

During their trip, the delegation wanted to evaluate the project's impact on pond fishing and food security in the region and discuss future cooperation – important steps towards strengthening the right to food in disadvantaged areas. The delegation also visited other institutions in Serra Telhada and Recife that are connected to or inspired by the project:

• In Serra Talhada, the “Poço do Serrote” pilot project was visited, which was initiated by the Brazilian government in February 2024 and builds on findings from the ITD Water Lentil. 13 families, who were resettled as part of the land reform, operate a pond fishery here in which duckweed plays a central role – for cleaning the water and as fish food. Project manager Odilon Araújo and his team explained the social, technical and economic challenges as well as the potential of the model for sustainable intensification.
• In Mirandiba, the delegation visited three rural communities – Araçá, Cajueiro and Riacho das Pedras) – where pilot projects with pond fishing and irrigation have been implemented as part of the ITD Water Lentil. Here, fish such as tilapia are bred and the recycled pond water is used for agricultural irrigation. Solar pumps and floating duckweed cages supplement the system. A particular highlight was the project in Araçá, which is run by five women and thus makes an important contribution to the advancement of women in the region. An important focus of the project is the connection to the Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA), through which the local communities supply food to facilities such as the CRAS (Center for Social Assistance), the Cozinha Comunitária (Community Kitchen) and the Centro de Convivência (Community Center). The PAA contributes significantly to food security and supports the basic right to food for vulnerable groups, especially in the Quilombola communities.
• The delegation met with scientists from the Unidade Acadêmica de Serra Talhada (UAST) and the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) to discuss the further development of water lentils production and international cooperation to scale up the projects. Innovative approaches to improve production and sustainable use were presented, which strengthen agroecological principles and promote the right to food. Professor Tercílio Calsa Júnior, a leading expert on water lentils, presented approaches to improve production and sustainable use.

The delegation trip impressively demonstrated how agroecological principles and the right to food can be implemented through innovative approaches in rural communities. It shows that sustainable agriculture can be both productive and socially inclusive.