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Surry, ME 04684
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Testimonial from SHI Participant Farmer, Samuel Muñoz
Quebrada Ancha, Lago Alajuela - Panama

I am a small farmer, being born and raised in this zone of the Chagres National Park.  For 20 years I have been working the land traditionally until SHI arrived. The program extensionist, told me the objectives of the program and wanted to demonstrate the techniques on the handling of some of my crops, showing where to plant the land that had been invaded by the "paja mala*", and where to establish my first crops. We planted 500 banana trees, that the program helped me obtain. We used, 2 techniques for planting the trees:

1.  seed in tribolillo (This is a method of planting trees in a triangle pattern, which helps reduce soil erosion)

2.  Sowing in line at a distance of 3 x 3. 

[With this help,] I have already harvested my first bananas.  Also they provided seed for improved corn.  Also with the support of the program, we have planted a small medicinal garden for consumption and sale, and have planted coffee.  SHI has supported me by starting a worm project to produce organic fertilizers for my garden and the other parts of my crops.

Thanks to the support of SHI, I am moving ahead because I have learned many thing that I didn't know before, and have acquired knowledge on how to improve my work......... and let me tell you!  I have overcome the "paja gringa"; * because we have planted different crops which the technician helped me understand by showing his knowledge. I have the confidence that my work will move forward thanks to the collaboration and stimulation of the program.

thanks for time you have given.

*  The "Paja Mala” or "Paja Gringa” that this farmer talks about is a grass that was introduced by U.S. engineers building the Panama Canal.  The engineers planted this non-native species along the watershed of the canal zone to help reduce soil erosion.  As the grass was not a native species, it reproduced rapidly and has literally taken over a large part of Panama.  It is a grass that can be controlled, if crops are planted that block sunlight the grass needs, as "paja gringa" needs full sun to survive.  In this case, Sam planted bananas that shaded the area where the “paja gringa” was growing, which helped reclaim the area for agricultural uses.