Agroecological Gardens in Schools in Argentina

During 2025, the Agroecological Gardens in Schools in Argentina project continued to grow through a strong focus on capacity building for educators. In coordination with INTA and the Ministry of Education of Tucumán, we delivered a comprehensive training program for teachers and school leaders from 65 public schools in southern Tucumán.

These training sessions were designed to strengthen both technical and pedagogical capacities related to agroecological school gardens. Teachers and principals received practical tools, agroecological seeds, and technical guidance to improve garden planning, production, and long-term sustainability. The goal was not only to enhance food production, but also to reinforce the role of school gardens as living classrooms that support learning, nutrition, and community engagement.

The response from the educational community was overwhelmingly positive. Educators highlighted the practical value of the training, the quality of the materials provided, and the importance of having ongoing technical support. Many schools expressed strong interest in continuing to expand their gardens and integrating agroecology more deeply into their educational projects.

Thanks to this coordinated effort, the project reached over 190 teachers and school leaders, impacting more than 7,500 students across 48 localities in the province. Working hand in hand with the provincial Ministry of Education allowed us to scale the initiative, strengthen institutional commitment, and ensure that the project aligns with public education priorities—maximizing its reach and long-term impact.

By combining technical expertise, educational leadership, and strong partnerships, school gardens in Tucumán are becoming sustainable spaces for learning, healthy food production, and community development.

Río Chico is a small locality located in the town of Santa Ana, in the southwest of the province of Tucumán. Its community mainly relies on commerce, sustaining a local economy that supports the town’s livelihood. However, the proximity to the Río Chico river, just 200 meters away, creates a socio-climatic vulnerability: every year, during the rainy season, the community faces floods that severely affect their homes and public spaces.

Luis Gianneo Primary School is one of the most affected by these floods, as it often ends up completely submerged. Despite this, the resilience of the community is remarkable, and the school’s garden has become a symbol of that strength. Over the years, the school community has maintained the tradition of growing food, not only as a resource for the school but also as a practical learning space for the children, who take this knowledge home and replicate it with their families.

In this effort, we supported the school by providing tools to enhance their gardening work. With 110 students, the school serves children from families in vulnerable socioeconomic situations. Many of their parents are underemployed or have precarious jobs, while others run small commercial ventures to make ends meet. Given this reality, we have prioritized strengthening food security in this community.

This provision of agricultural tools is complemented by a training plan designed for both students and their families, aiming for what is learned at school to be replicated at home, thereby expanding the positive impact in the community.

Our agroecology expert leads educational workshops, imparting essential knowledge to improve the families’ productive capacities. Additionally, the school garden has become a key educational resource, promoting self-sufficiency in food production for both school cafeterias and the students’ households.

In this way, we remain committed to our mission of promoting food sovereignty, agroecology, and improving the health of the most vulnerable communities. Each small step brings us closer to a future where these communities are self-sufficient and resilient in the face of adversity.