many of the AKST systems in Latin America and the Caribbean, but needs further strengthening since it can lead to substantial reductions in the use of agrotoxins in fields. In order to encourage this trend, it is proposed to establish strict rules for the use of agrotoxins, in particular for the protection of men, women and children who work in fields (Nivia, 2003). It is also necessary to combine conventional research with traditional research in order to identify biocontrollers, to develop strategies for the agroecological management of production systems (Buck, et al., 2006) and to improve conventional systems.

4.2.2.7 Land distribution
Access to land is a burning issue throughout the region. Promoting research and providing training in methods of distribution of productive land among social groups and their impact on the sustainable use of land and on poverty would be of great assistance in resolving the numerous problems. More families living sustainably in the countryside leads to greater diversity of decisions and consequently to greater diversity of landscape, biodiversity and crops and facilitates food security and the exploitation of biodiversity (Monro et al., 2002; Dietsch et al., 2004). Comparative research projects are also needed to identify the most sustainable distribution and land-use alternatives and thereby to promote diversity in the modes of distribution and use of land and diversity in modes of access to land and conservation of biodiversity (Almeida, 2006). This type of research could lead to policies that are more conducive to achieving the goals of IAASTD.
     For production systems on agricultural frontiers, intervention priorities include the development of a comprehensive database of natural resources and their characteristics within the system as well as the relationship between this information and planning tools together with appropriate resource management policies. This could be strengthened
through research partnerships in the development of crop varieties that are adapted to the conditions of agricultural frontier zones (e.g., aluminum tolerance, post-harvest characteristics), and dissemination of the results. Of prime importance, however, are the legalization of land holdings and elaboration of policies that promote appropriate patterns of
land use by employing such instruments as land taxes (at the regional and municipal levels); land concessions; easy access to investment loans and operating capital; eligibility for support services; and marketing, extension, and veterinary services, among others (Dixon et al., 2001).

4.2.3 Climate change and bioenergy
Energy efficiency understood as the cost-benefit ratio, i.e., the investment of crop energy in the agroecosystem (or aquatic system) versus the energy benefit obtained from the production (in Kcal) and the diversity of products (National Research Council, 1989) could be considered as a basis for evaluating production systems.
     The oil crisis is another factor that reinforces this need for AKST to give priority to the search for more efficient alternative energy sources, in keeping with the characteristics of the various sub-regions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Wind and solar energy are very rarely used in the

 region but have great potential in the tropics, particularly in
rural areas.
     Combating the effects of climate change by developing alternative systems of production
     Regional studies of the impact of climate change confirm the negative effects that global warming will have on the incomes of producers, particularly small/traditional producers who have less resources to adapt to these changes (Mendelsohn et al., 2006; SEO et al., 2006). Alternative production systems could be used to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, since agroecological systems have greater capacity to recover from environmental disasters (SOCLA, 2007).
     With the help of indigenous/traditional and scientific (agroecological and conventional) knowledge, it is possible to promote research into the use of perennial plants and agroforestry for carbon sequestration (see option 6). Efforts are also being made to promote the development of new plant varieties that adapt better to climate change, in particular to rising temperatures and to variations in the dry and rainy seasons. It is also necessary to identify more efficient methods of water use and management of soils that are vulnerable to erosion (eg. management of plant cover, green fertilizers, wind breaks, drainage) (Murgueitio, 2003).

Latin American and Caribbean AKSTs must strengthen its links of technical and scientific cooperation in the search for joint solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on producers in the region (Lima et al., 2001). A program of research and development is needed to add value to forestry resources through innovation, commercial agreements, gradual training to take over the productive process, and institutional support. The latter should focus on the reality in which AKST actors operate. The use of forestry products is irreversible and it is therefore essential to develop alternatives for sustainable use based on empirically observed realities (FLOAGRI, 2005). The socio-economic sciences must also be developed to take account of environmental services in the evaluation of production systems (Altieri et al., 2003; Chavarria et al., 2002).

4.2.3.1 Research to evaluate the contribution of agriculture and livestock farming to the production of renewable energy.
Agricultural production for use in fossil fuel alternatives (crops that can be used to generate energy, the conversion of waste from harvests, and biogas) could constitute an opportunity to revitalize primary sectors, provided that it is based on local resources and does not endanger food security. For this, bioenergy (not only biofuels) should be developed for local use and local knowledge and general environmentalfriendly principles should be disseminated at the regional and international levels. Existing knowledge should be organized in such programs and new studies undertaken on energy resources based on knowledge of the flora of new tropical forests (Amazonia, rain forests, dry forests, premontane, gallery or riparian forests).
     As this know-how becomes better known and more widely disseminated, it will be appreciated more and more by Latin American communities, especially the urban population. Reforestation can be undertaken in degraded zones