The Cuban model

In light of the current global economic shift, it is valuable to study other countries and cultures that have reconfigured their food production systems, energy resources, communities and economies in innovative and organized ways. Cuba provides an interesting example of this reconfiguration because of the ease required to replicate their systems in cities around the world. The country was forced to significantly change out of necessity. Yet those changes led to Cuba’s recent recognition as the only country approaching sustainable development by the World Wildlife Fund. This assessment was reached from a combination of the Human Development Index (measured by literacy, education, life expectancy and GDP) and the country’s light ecological footprint.

Sustainable Food Systems

Cubans went through what they term a “special period” when support from the collapsed Soviet Union ended and they were cut off from trade with the US. They found themselves without food or fuel. People began to reclaim unused urban lands and converted them into organic gardens called organiponicos. The Cubans used raised beds and natural pest control to grow organic fruits, vegetables and herbs in the former wastelands. Now cooperative farms make compost, utilize native insects for natural pest control, and teach and employ locals in organic growing methods.

With short travel distances and clean growing methods, Cubans now eat fresh, local food produced in their own communities. This system has provided a renewed sense of connectedness for the people. Havana is home to many organiponicos — urban gardens flourishing in alleyways, rooftops, vacant lots — anywhere there is space to grow food. It is estimated that these farms supply over 90% of Havana’s fresh fruit and vegetables, and now even provide some of the milk and meat. Fruits and vegetables grown include mangos, guava, figs, coffee, bananas, grapes, avocados, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, cassava, beets, etc. A variety of herbs are also grown, like ginger, oregano, rosemary, sage, basil, peppermint and other medicinal plants.

They also raise small animals including ducks, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs.

This system not only feeds the people, but also reduces green house gas emissions from food transport, while saving Cuba money in transportation costs and environmentally through reduced emissions.

Energy

Cuba has also improved the conservation and renewable energy infrastructure over the past few decades. In 2006, they embarked on a “Revolucion Energetica”, reducing kerosene usage by 34%, liquefied natural gas by 37% and gasoline consumption by 80%.

In order to effectively change the energy behaviors of the society, the Cuban government recognized the necessity of engaging the young people in their efforts. Young people are now employed as energy social workers, going into communities to teach people how to use new energy efficient appliances and how to conserve energy. They hold energy festivals where students sing songs and write poetry about energy conservation. Children receive awards and go on to compete nationally based on energy conservation projects. In the early 90s, Cuba invested in solar systems for its rural schools, health and social centers that now provide energy for lighting and give students access to computers and educational programs.

Cuba switched over to energy efficient appliances and light bulbs with compact fluorescents, creating financial incentives for lowered energy use. People who consume less than 100 KWH per month pay less than one cent per KW/H. For every increase of 50 KW/H, the rate rises steeply, discouraging excess energy usage.

Cuba is currently involved in projects to implement wind farms and is creating the country’s first grid tied solar electric 100 KW plant.

It is impressive that the small island country was able to make such drastic changes in its behavior and food and energy systems in less than 20 years. What made their efforts so effective was their level of organization and unification. They did this together, against the odds, in order to survive. Regardless of our societal beliefs pitting socialism versus capitalism, Cubans were able to find the resourcefulness, ingenuity, and togetherness that made this transition successful. It helps too that in the years leading up to the “special period” they were already studying organic agriculture and energy conservation methods, laying a solid foundation for when crisis hit.

What can Americans learn from Cubans? In order for the U.S. to make similar positive changes, we need to encourage communities to work together cooperatively, to get organized in order to affect big changes in the way we eat and live. While the people of Cuba may be financially “poorer” than our average citizen, they have something that is invaluable; an energy infrastructure that continually evolves, a local farming system where everyone has access to healthy food, and a health care system that takes care of all the people.