Author: SG CSUCA

El Salvador and Honduras strengthen agricultural innovations and community actions within the framework of Project 7-GT

Teams from the University of El Salvador (UES) and the National University of Agriculture of Honduras (UNAG) have developed important activities in recent months aimed at strengthening food security, promoting sustainable technologies and contributing to community development as part of Project 7-GT, promoted by IDRC-CSUCA.

EL SALVADOR: Progress in MIAF systems and community strengthening

Engineer Fidel Parada, from the UES, presented on the news channel TeleDos the progress of the “sustainable proposal of MIAF crops in the face of the impact of winter and excess rains”, highlighting the importance of this agroecological system to improve the resilience of crops.

Delivery of Persian lime plants

On October 22, the official delivery of Persian lime plants was made to directors of the San Cristóbal Cooperative, in San Pedro Masahuat, and to two farmers from the hamlet of El Hervedor, of the Santa Clara Cooperative Farm (La Paz), with the aim of establishing new plots under the MIAF system.

  • 125 plants were delivered to Don José Valdez, president of the San Cristóbal cooperative.
  • 85 plants were delivered to producers Patricia López and Celia Osegueda, from the hamlet of El Hervedor.

These plants were financed by IDRC/CSUCA/Project 7-GT – University of El Salvador, as part of strengthening community production systems.

MIAF's first experience with farmers from San Pedro Masahuat

As part of the technical support, a demonstration of the milpa system with fruit trees (MIAF) was established under an agroecological approach, which included:

  • Tillage and leveling of the soil
  • Manual weed control
  • Fertilizer application
  • Planting fruit trees and corn
  • Preventive monitoring of pests and diseases

This process was supported by Project 7-GT and technically led by Eng. Fidel Parada (UES), providing farmers with practical experience in the sustainable management of diversified crops.

HONDURAS: Scientific innovation with Annonaceae species and composting technologies

The National University of Agriculture of Honduras (UNAG) developed various scientific and educational initiatives, focused on the research of species of the Annonaceae family, recognized for their resilience and nutritional value in territories of the dry corridor.

Research with Annonaceae species and their contribution to the SDGs

UNAG works on the identification and management of species resistant to extreme climatic conditions, promoting its relationship with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through:

  • Production of nutritious food
  • Generation of economic opportunities
  • Strengthening sustainable rural development
  • Preparation of leaf extracts — Antimicrobial applications

A process for extracting bioactive compounds from Annonaceae leaves was developed, which includes:

  • Leaf selection
  • Removal of impurities
  • Drying at 50 °C
  • Trituration
  • Mixture with solvents (water, ethanol, acetic acid)
  • Maceration and storage in glass jars
  • The resulting extracts have the following properties:
  • Antibacterial
  • Antivirals
  • Antioxidants
  • Insecticides
  • Usefulness as a natural coating
  • Use of extracts as antimicrobials in post-harvest

UNAG is also investigating the application of these extracts to reduce post-harvest losses, contributing to the preservation and quality of the fruit.

Nutritional and medicinal benefits of Custard Apples

Among the identified benefits, the following stand out:

  • Vitamin and mineral supply
  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Cardiovascular protection
  • Antioxidant and antimicrobial action
  • Natural energy through bioactive compounds
  • Composting and vermicomposting technologies

UNAG promotes composting solutions as an effective method of biodegrading organic matter to produce natural fertilizer for gardens and farms.

In addition, he developed the Vermicomposting Manual, coordinated by Esdras Vásquez (Tomalá Headquarters, Lempira), a key tool for:

  • Nutrient cycle
  • Mineral solubilization
  • Soil strengthening

Demonstration videos were shared to broaden access to community knowledge.

Regional commitment

The activities carried out in El Salvador and Honduras reinforce the commitment of Project 7-GT to scientific innovation, capacity building, sustainable agriculture and community resilience, promoting knowledge exchange between universities and communities in the Central American dry corridor.

Universities from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala held a trinational meeting to close the 7-GT Project

Project 7-GT

On November 5, 6 and 7, 2025, the Trinational Meeting was held in Guatemala, bringing together delegations from the University of El Salvador (UES), the National University of Agriculture of Honduras (UNAG) and the CUNSARO Consortium of Guatemala, as part of the closing activities of Project 7-GT, promoted by IDRC–CSUCA.

During the inauguration, Professor Óscar Alonso Rodríguez Gracias, representing the University of El Salvador, addressed the attendees, congratulating the consortium of researchers from the three universities for their work and the results achieved throughout the project. His remarks emphasized the importance of academic cooperation and regional integration in addressing the challenges of food security and climate resilience.

As part of the program, a visit was made to the technological showcases in the village of El Cebollito, where the participants learned firsthand about the state of the MIAF system, made up of associated crops of milpa, avocado, mango, jocote and pitaya.

During the tour, it was emphasized that “technology showcases are spaces to demonstrate that it is possible to diversify crops, as well as to transfer and promote agricultural technologies. Furthermore, they constitute a means where producers, extension agents, and agronomy students strengthen their technical knowledge regarding improved cultivars that are made available to society.”.

Teacher Ana Mireya Suazo and Teacher Josué Matute, representatives of UNAG, recommended keeping the soil protected by weeding, in order to conserve moisture and strengthen the productivity of the agricultural system.

During the meeting, the closing workshop for Project 7-GT was held, with the participation of academics, professionals, and members of the communities involved. The workshop highlighted the project's main achievements, lessons learned, and future plans, reaffirming the positive impact of the trinational collaboration.

The activities concluded with the presentation of diplomas to professionals and community actors who were part of Project 7-GT, in recognition of their commitment, active participation and contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Guatemala strengthened food security, scientific research and regional cooperation within the framework of Project 7-GT

During the months of August and October, Guatemala developed various actions aimed at strengthening food security, promoting scientific innovation and consolidating regional articulation, as part of Project 7-GT, promoted by the CUNSARO USAC–UES–UNAG Consortium and supported by CSUCA–IDRC of Canada.

On August 14, a solidarity contribution was delivered to the Association of Women of El Ixcanal I, Comapa, represented by Mrs. Brenda Joaquin, intended to support the families affected by the earthquakes that occurred on July 29, 2025. This action reaffirmed the consortium's commitment to community resilience and support for vulnerable territories.

Subsequently, on August 20, the webinar “Use of Remote Sensing and Image Spectrometry in Agricultural Production” was held, a technical update focused on food security in the Central American Dry Corridor. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of technological tools in improving agricultural productivity in areas affected by drought and climate variability.

On October 8, representing Project 7-GT, we participated in the VII Biennial Meeting of Research and Postgraduate Studies of Central America and the Caribbean (SIRCIP – CSUCA), held at the Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua, Guatemala. This meeting served as a meeting point for academic and scientific exchange, strengthening research and postgraduate studies in the region.

During the continuation of the activities, on October 9, Dr. Milton Sandoval presented the lecture “Food Security in Ixcanal 2, Comapa, Jutiapa,” at an event held at the Santo Tomás de Aquino School in Antigua Guatemala. The presentation highlighted the importance of applied knowledge to address food challenges in rural communities.

Finally, on October 10, project representatives participated in the working groups “Climate Collaboration: Strategies for an Inter-, Multi-, and Transdisciplinary Approach in the Region,” held as part of the VII Biennial Meeting of Postgraduate Researchers. This forum fostered collaboration among institutions and specialists to promote climate adaptation strategies from a comprehensive perspective.

Participation of the National University of Agriculture of Honduras in an international congress in Brazil

Within the framework of the IDRC–CSUCA Project, 7-GT, the National University of Agriculture (UNAG) of Honduras highlighted its commitment to scientific research and international cooperation through the participation of Mag. Josué David Matute Aguilar in the International Congress of the University of São Paulo, Brazil.

The event, held at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP/USP) and organized in coordination with the Ibero-American Program of Science and Technology for Development (CYTED), brought together specialists from the region to present advances in the research of natural products, covering topics such as bioprospecting and the use of computational tools applied to scientific innovation.

The participation of Mag. Matute Aguilar reaffirmed the role of UNAG in strengthening scientific knowledge and in regional articulation for sustainable development, promoting the visibility of Central America's academic and research work in high-level international spaces.

For additional information, the event organizing committee has provided the following email address: eventosredalimmic.cyted@gmail.com

El Salvador strengthened research, agricultural innovation and community engagement efforts within the framework of Project 7-GT and university activities

During September and October, the University of El Salvador (UES) developed a series of activities aimed at strengthening scientific research, technological innovation and support for agricultural producers, as part of Project 7-GT and the University Scientific Researcher Week.

Dissemination of advances in food security

Within the framework of Project 7-GT, the online newspaper Contrapunto published an article titled “UES Develops Food and Nutritional Security Proposal to Address the Food Crisis” on September 12. The article highlighted UES's progress in formulating a comprehensive proposal to address the national food crisis, reinforcing its institutional commitment to applied research and sustainability.

Conference on Artificial Intelligence applied to scientific research

As part of the University Scientific Researcher Week, on September 24, the conference series was held in which the presentation "Artificial Intelligence applied to Scientific Research" was given by the Digital Transformation consultant Andrés Conde, who has more than 25 years of experience in international markets and is co-founder of Somos tuIA.

The conference was held virtually via Google Meet and introduced the academic community to new technological tools applied to research work.

Installation of agrometeorological stations

Within the framework of Project 7-GT, UES installed new agrometeorological stations designed to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change on September 27.

These stations record detailed data on temperature, humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, evaporation, evapotranspiration, precipitation, and leaf wetness. The information collected is essential for detecting pests and diseases, optimizing water and fertilizer use, and improving farmers' decision-making.

Reference video: https://youtu.be/dk95z-X14Xs?si=PjR-wvR105UmfwHL

First field tour with farmers: presentation of technological showcases

As part of Project 7-GT-UES, the first field tour was held on October 10th, aimed at farmers in the area of influence of the Experimental and Practice Station of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences.

During the event, several MIAF technology showcases were presented, including:

  • MIAF 1: Persian lime as an epiculture, accompanied by papaya, banana, sesame, rice, corn and sorghum.
  • MIAF 2: Jocote de Azucaron with associated crops such as corn, sesame, chufle, green bean, sorghum, pitahaya and passion fruit.
  • MIAF 3: Myrtle as an epiculture, along with corn, sorghum, rice and monkey bean.
  • MIAF 4: Taiwanese guava accompanied by black corn, sesame, rice, soybeans and sorghum.

The plot of roots and tubers was also presented, showcasing crops such as cassava, taro, tiquizque, turmeric, papaya, and ginger, among others. These species represent high-value alternatives for strengthening food and nutritional security in rural communities. As part of the technical exchange, germplasm was offered for their propagation.

Donation of seeds to producers of the San Cristóbal Cooperative

On October 16, the rice and sesame harvest from the MIAF Persian Lime system was delivered to the producers of the San Cristóbal Cooperative.

The donation, received by Mr. José Valdez, president of the cooperative, will be used as seed to establish new cultivation areas on his land, contributing to the strengthening of local production and access to quality seeds.