In the Pacific region of Costa Rica, a group of women are transforming their lives and communities with determination and effort. They have found a network of support, knowledge, and resources through the Resilient Agrifood Systems (RAS) Project of EARTH Futures, the global solutions center of our University. All of this has empowered them to take a leading role in agriculture and local development. This is the story of Luz Mery, Leda, and Zeidy.
Agriculture as a Source of Inspiration
The first thing Luz Mery Vargas Valverde does when she wakes up in the morning is go check on her lettuces. She enjoys seeing how they gradually grow and become lush and green. Despite some health limitations, walking to her crops has become medicine for her soul and body. However, in a context of climate instability and demanding markets, maintaining sustainable production has been a goal that seemed out of reach. With support from the RAS Project, Luz Mery began training in resilient farming practices, allowing her to adapt her methods, protect the soil and water, and improve her quality of life.
Through hard work, she has consistently participated in training sessions designed by the Project’s specialized team. These spaces have provided technical knowledge and connected her with other women farmers facing similar challenges. With them, she has learned the importance of shared knowledge where they can all help each other improve their production and grow collectively and individually.
Innovation and Adaptation in the Field
Leda Lawson represents the spirit of innovation in the field. With an open mindset and a constant desire to learn, she has adopted new farming techniques that allow her to improve the quality and sustainability of her crops. The training she received through the RAS Project taught her how to track her sales, manage inputs more precisely, and implement practices to adapt to climate change. She focuses on growing oyster mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and other types of vegetables.
Leda faces the challenges that small farmers experience when competing in a market dominated by large companies. Her collaboration with cooperatives such as Coopepilangosta, an EARTH Futures partner, enables her to access a broader market with better prices, where the true value of her work is recognized.
Para Leda, el creciente rol de las mujeres en este tipo de actividades representa un cambio positivo, pues cada vez participan más en la producción y la venta con roles de liderazgo. De esta manera aportan una perspectiva distinta y demuestran que pueden equilibrar sus responsabilidades personales y profesionales, y sobreponerse a las barreras de género en el sector.
The Value of Cooperation
After facing a drastic change in her life, Zeidy Pérez had to learn to manage her finances independently. Participating in the RAS Project workshops allowed her to reinforce her knowledge of budgeting and distinguishing between needs and wants. She can now manage her resources more consciously, prioritizing essential expenses such as rent, food, and utilities. For her, these skills have been crucial in adapting to her new economic reality with greater confidence in her financial management abilities.
Additionally, Zeidy has found these workshops are an opportunity to explore her entrepreneurial potential. She currently works in a tourism cooperative, helping in the kitchen and dreaming of creating artisanal products to offer to visitors.
Her goal is to start her own business, applying the financial planning skills she learned for long-term growth. Through this training, she has seen doors open to a more stable and sustainable future, where she can leverage her skills and creativity to generate her own income.
EARTH Futures, through the Resilient Agrifood Systems Project and with support from the Walmart Foundation, has provided these women not only with technical and organizational tools but also with the boost they needed to empower themselves and transform their lives.