Social inclusion focus of silvopastoral arrangements within prison communities in Colombia

Abstract

The Agricultural Colonia is a correctional facility in Colombia, it is perhaps the historical reference to organized processes of incarceration, where the intention has always been a pioneer in production processes and therapeutic intervention, since its inception has made ​​effort to present proposals livestock production, while this system has emerged after cutting and burning of forests, resulting in agricultural ecosystems with little tree cover, soils unprotected and often lacking in diversity, unique privileges pastures. This has allowed, that the grazing areas become especially susceptible to erosion, especially when they are on slopes. At the same time, livestock production in traditional form, usually involves a high dependence on external inputs to yield, increasing production costs and causing environmental concerns. In this sense, the search for livestock production systems more sustainable both ecologically and economically as well as being socially acceptable and easily adoptable, it is a priority. Within this context, agro-ecological systems appear to be an alternative to short, medium and/or long term, being able to meet current demands of production. It is now assessed the social inclusion of silvopastoral arrangements in the colony, as an alternative treatment in prisons, where the inmate makes his bread exchange, through training and practice in livestock agro-ecological experience gained in the period from 2005 to 2010.