Thousands of farmers in several regions have been at the forefront in adapting and improving GMCC systems in the humid and subhumid tropics with experiences in Latin America, Africa and Asia. GMCC systems can help intensify traditional agriculture systems while conserving the natural resource base. These systems can increase yields, reduce costs, and diversify production because they are efficient sources of nitrogen, improve soil tilth, increase soil biological activity, help control pests and weeds (reducing labor requirements for weeding), and provide a number of additional food, feed and fuel products.

Numerous development workers -mainly from NGOs- are actively promoting GMCC systems among smallholders. Simultaneously, researchers have initiated multiple programs to better understand, improve and validate these practices in different agroecologies.

Systematic efforts have been initiated to create a mechanism to help coordinate and facilitate the research, assessment, and promotion of GMCC system worldwide. As main components of this strategy, several regional workshops and other inter-institutional activities have taken place or are planned for 1997 in different regions (Mexico, Brazil, Central America, Africa, and SE Asia). These regional activities are generating a wealth of information and interest which transcends technical issues to include analysis of adoption and adaptation by smallholders, technology diffusion strategies and policy opportunities and constraints for GMCC promotion. The Chapeco workshop will be the culmination of most of the fore-mentioned activities, as well a key opportunity for defining future ones.

- A critical review and assessment of four main case studies will be at the core of the workshop. These include:

In addition to the main case studies, a poster/video session will report on numerous experiences with GMCC systems throughout tropical and subtropical regions.