EARTH Futures, the global solutions center of EARTH University, announces the launch of phase III of the Resilient Agrifood Systems (RAS) Project, thanks to funding provided to EARTH University Foundation by the Walmart Foundation. This new phase aims to positively impact more than 2,200 small-scale producers in Costa Rica and Guatemala, with a special focus on empowering women producers, promoting economic inclusion, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
“The Walmart Foundation has been a crucial ally, and their trust in our work has allowed us to grow and evolve. This support will enable us to consolidate a model we have been developing for years, refining methodologies, tools, and monitoring systems,” says Javier Artiñano, Director of Developing Solutions at EARTH Futures.
The project, which began in 2020, aims to strengthen the capacities of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in rural communities by promoting sustainable and resilient production in the face of climate change and facilitating connections to fairer markets. Additionally, it fosters leadership and governance through tools in administration, business management, and communications.
Gender Equity, Economic Inclusion, and Climate Adaptation as Essential Pillars
In this third phase, the focus will be on strengthening production systems led by women and creating economic opportunities for them and other rural producers, fostering a more inclusive environment. At the same time, the project will address climate change by promoting adaptation practices to ensure long-term resilience.
Regarding the progress made in women’s empowerment, Guatemala Project Manager Pablo Chacón shared: “Women have improved their production and post-harvest systems, which has reduced costs and increased their efficiency as producers and leaders in their households. Crop diversification has also boosted their income, contributing to their economic stability.”
Aligned with this vision, Pamela Metadjer, Project Assistant in Guatemala, explained that phase III will include an initial assessment to identify the specific needs of women and strengthen their participation: “The focus is on increasing women’s leadership, both in FPOs and in their personal and community activities, with special attention to financial topics. We will work in parallel with the women involved in the FPOs to enhance both their technical financial management skills and their soft skills, such as leadership and communications.”
Costa Rica Project Manager Javier Fallas added, “This phase will also incorporate sessions on positive masculinity to foster a cultural shift that complements women’s empowerment, creating a deeper impact within organizations.”
Lessons Learned and Adaptation to Local Contexts
Phase III will build on the lessons learned from previous phases. “We will implement detailed budgeting and carefully select participating organizations to maximize impact. In addition, we will offer a solid academic program to support the process,” said Javier Fallas.
The project will also adapt its methodologies to the specific needs of each context. “In Guatemala, we work with indigenous communities, which requires adapting our methodologies and communication to the Mayan language. Additionally, we are strengthening commercial strategies to develop local markets, which still hold untapped potential,” explained Pablo Chacón.
Towards a Replicable and Sustainable Model for the Future
The RAS project reflects EARTH Futures’ commitment to transforming agrifood systems in the region. “This project is highly representative of who we are as a program, and this phase will be key to further strengthening the model and building partnerships to scale it into new regions,” concluded Javier Artiñano.