Tarahumara Sustainable Agriculture Project GG2093163

In the heart of Mexico's Copper Canyons, where rugged landscapes and ancient traditions converge, the indigenous Tarahumara people have thrived for centuries. Despite facing modern challenges such as encroaching roads, drought, and the threats posed by external forces, the Tarahumara have clung to their self-sufficient way of life.

In a recent webinar hosted by RAGCED Global on September 28, 2023, the spotlight was on the Tarahumara Sustainable Agriculture Initiative. This initiative, spearheaded by Rotary, has been a beacon of hope for the Tarahumara people, helping them navigate the changing tides while preserving their cultural heritage.

Preserving Tradition, Ensuring Prosperity: Rotary's Impact on the Tarahumara Sustainable Agriculture Initiative

A Tradition of Resilience

The Tarahumara's existence is intertwined with the canyons they call home—four majestic chasms deeper than the Grand Canyon. Their daily lives involve growing their own food, crafting clothes from scratch, and navigating the challenging terrain in primitive sandals made from used tire tread. Remarkably, these people, despite their rudimentary footwear, are renowned as some of the world's most formidable endurance athletes.

Running and hiking are not just recreational activities for the Tarahumara; they are integral to survival. For centuries, conflicts have been evaded by running deeper into the canyons, allowing the Tarahumara to maintain their cultural practices and live harmoniously.

Challenges and Rotary's Response

However, the 21st century brought new challenges. Roads penetrated the canyons, droughts devastated crops, criminal organizations seized lands, and illegal logging threatened ancient forests. In response, Rotary stepped in through the Rotary Foundation's Global Grant program.

Thanks to the St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary Club in District 6970, which has been collaborating with the Tarahumara for nearly a decade, the community received a lifeline. With the support of the Rotary Club of Chihuahua in District 4100 and six clubs from District 6970, two Rotary Global Grants were secured.

The first grant in 2014, amounting to $50,000, enabled the Tarahumara to establish seed banks and cultivate traditional, canyon-adapted varieties of corn and beans. The second grant, a substantial $198,952 in 2021, facilitated the construction of six water reservoirs, providing essential irrigation for crops and a sustainable source of drinking water for schools and communities.

Empowering the Tarahumara

Critical to the success of these projects has been the active involvement of the Tarahumara themselves. Community leaders like Silvino Cubesare and Juana Senala have played pivotal roles in managing and leading the initiatives. The projects have not only secured the Tarahumara's foothold in their ancestral canyons but have empowered them to share their skills and expertise, extending the impact to other parts of the region.

A Collaborative Triumph

The collaboration between Rotary clubs, local partners like the Rotary Club of Chihuahua, and organizations such as Fundación Tarahumara Jose Llaguno and the Copper Canyon Alliance has been instrumental in ensuring the success of these initiatives. The Executive Director of the Copper Canyon Alliance, Will Harlan, has played a key role in steering the grant towards its positive outcomes.

In conclusion, thanks to Rotary's commitment to service and community development, the Tarahumara Sustainable Agriculture Initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and resilience. By preserving tradition and ensuring prosperity, Rotary has not only impacted the lives of the Tarahumara but has also set an inspiring example for sustainable development worldwide.