Núcleo de Agroecologia e Educação do Campo da UFRB

The Living Laboratory of Agroecology and Soil Sciences is an initiative of the Center for Science and Technology in Energy and Sustainability (CETENS) at the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB), located in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. This laboratory serves as an innovative space dedicated to the development and implementation of agroecological practices, combining teaching, research, and extension activities to promote sustainable agriculture.

The laboratory spearheads various initiatives, including study groups, research and outreach projects, and practical implementations of agroecological systems. Key activities include the establishment of an Agroforestry System (SAF) at the Valença production unit, the creation of a seed bank, PANC (Non-Conventional Edible Plants) gardens, and an economic garden at the Feira de Santana campus production unit. Additionally, the lab has implemented the PAES system (Agroecological Experimentation and Production System) at the Sisal production unit in the Paulo Freire Vocational Education Center (CEEP Campo Paulo Freire).

Widely recognized as a center of excellence, the Living Laboratory is also known as the Center for Studies in Agroecology and Rural Education (NEA Educampo). It was approved under the Agroecology Call No. 21/2016 and has received funding to further its mission. This designation underscores its commitment to advancing the principles of agroecology and fostering the integration of education and fieldwork in sustainable agriculture.

For those interested, the Living Laboratory is accessible for reservations through CETENS's Specific Technical Core (NUGTESP). It offers a dynamic environment where students, researchers, and community members collaborate to explore innovative solutions for rural development and sustainability.

The Living Laboratory of Agroecology and Soil Sciences envisions becoming a transformative hub for agroecological innovation and education, fostering sustainable practices that empower rural communities and promote environmental stewardship. Its goals include expanding agroforestry systems, preserving and multiplying native seeds, advancing research in sustainable agriculture, and integrating agroecological principles into public policies and educational programs. By nurturing collaboration among students, researchers, farmers, and policymakers, the laboratory aspires to build resilient food systems, strengthen rural livelihoods, and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to ecological balance and social justice.