Capacity building

Capacity building in Mesoamerica through research, higher education and training is one of the main objectives of the PCP. Experience has shown that investments in capacity building help bridging the gap between research and development allowing for a real research for development approach.

Interdisciplinarity ​

The PCP is in a state of pluridisciplinarity but has demonstrated its ability to shift toward true interdisciplinarity as an approach (for example in the construction of projects such as PressAnthropo and Connecta).
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THEME 1  
​​Role of Agroforestry Systems in farmers livelihoods, collective well-being, social and economic development and equity in rural territories

This theme look for improving livelihoods of farming households involved in AFS. Technological progress in farm production will not necessarily result in better livelihood conditions and has to be pursued in relationship with other economic and social factors, capacities and skills. 

THEME 2 ​
​Participatory innovation of AFS for productivity, profitability and sustainability

The objective of this theme is the development, in collaboration with farmers and other key stakeholders, of productive, profitable and sustainable management strategies for agroforestry systems with perennial crops (AFS-PC) from plot to farm level, that are adapted to local conditions and Climate Change effects.

THEME 3
​​Diversifying and valuing products and services of AFS - Distribution of value added along inclusive value chains to promote producer’s business organizations competitiveness

The objective of this theme is to increase producers’ remuneration by identifying and valorising products and services generated by AFS, creating or improving links to markets for a fair and just trade of these products, and supporting producers to increase their participation in the value chain.

THEME 4 
Resilience and transformation of farms and territories under internal and external pressures and territories 

The main objective of this theme is to analyze changes in response to pressures, at the scales of farms to territories, and the consequences of these changes on livelihoods and well-being. We will define the boundaries and comparative advantages of AFS: where and when do they help in terms of productivity, resilience, sustainability and adaptation, and which factors change these terms with which consequences, based on their functions for production, resilience, and ecosystem services. 

THEME 5 
​Effects of policies and tools on AFS development ​

The objective of this theme is to provide knowledge and tools to decision makers to stimulate the wide scale use of agroforestry best practices in Mesoamerica through policy. The theme will harness the evidence generated by AFS research to develop knowledge and information, methodologies and tools useful for decision makers and strengthen public and private regional organizations and institutions involved in policy and advocacy.

THEME 6 
Biophysical processes and bio-diversification at plot and landscape scales 

The objective of this theme is to understand how cultural practices and the management of biodiversity (plant, animals and microorganisms) alter the biogeochemical, eco-physiological and ecological processes implicated in the performances of agroforestry systems (yield, economical incomes, and environmental impact) in the context of climate change.