Author: SG CSUCA

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.

Universities from Central America and the Caribbean strengthened their commitment to comprehensive health during the VI Meeting of Health Promoting Universities

En el Centro Universitario de Catacamas, Olancho, Honduras, la Universidad Nacional de Agricultura (UNAG) fue sede, del 17 al 19 de noviembre de 2025, del VI Encuentro Centroamericano y del Caribe de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud (EUPS), un espacio que reunió a autoridades universitarias, especialistas internacionales, equipos estudiantiles y representantes institucionales de la región para avanzar en la construcción de universidades más saludables, inclusivas y resilientes, bajo el lema “Universidades saludables, comunidades resilientes”.

Para dar inicio, el Dr. Orlando Murillo, Vicerrector Académico de la UNAG, en representación al Dr. Victor Javier Gonzales, rector de la UNAG, destacando la evolución histórica de los procesos de vida estudiantil en Centroamérica, recordando que desde 1973 y 1978 se comenzó a fortalecer la representación estudiantil dentro del CSUCA, y que “poco a poco hemos madurado estos procesos”, subrayando la importancia de seguir consolidando el CONREVE y la promoción de la salud universitaria.

El Bachiller Mario Mancía, Presidente de FEUCA, resaltó la relevancia de que la federación forme parte activa de estos espacios, enfatizando que “la salud física y mental es fundamental en todos los programas universitarios” y que aprender de otras instituciones fortalece la acción estudiantil en la región.

El Maestro Jorge Cortez, Presidente de CONREVE, expresó un mensaje en defensa de la universidad pública, señalando que su existencia permite condiciones dignas para la vida estudiantil: “Nunca dejen de defender la universidad pública. Gracias a ella tenemos estas oportunidades que afuera serían inalcanzables”. También resaltó la importancia de la autonomía universitaria como pilar para el desarrollo.

El Dr. Diego Gálvez, asesor de la OPS/OMS en Honduras, remarcó el valor estratégico del encuentro para comprender los desafíos de la región, destacando que “la integración no es un ideal; es una condición para avanzar”. Añadió que el conocimiento compartido entre universidades y expertos es crucial para enfrentar los retos ambientales, migratorios y sociales que afectan al istmo.

El MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretario General del CSUCA, subrayó la importancia de la educación como vehículo de principios y valores, señalando que “las naciones que no invierten en educación, ciencia y tecnología condenan a su población a la marginación”. Destacó además el papel del CSUCA en fortalecer el trabajo universitario y sus beneficios para la sociedad.

Trabajo colaborativo y acuerdos regionals

Conferencias, talleres, paneles y espacios de diálogo permitieron reflexionar sobre salud mental, equidad, programas de bienestar y el fortalecimiento institucional. El Laboratorio de Ideas permitió avanzar en la construcción de una hoja de ruta regional para las Universidades Promotoras de la Salud, culminando con la firma de una Declaratoria Conjunta.

Cierre cultural y conexión territorial

El encuentro concluyó con una presentación cultural de la UNAG y un recorrido por las Cuevas de Talgua y Ciudad Blanca, promoviendo el vínculo entre cultura, territorio y bienestar universitario.

El CSUCA, reafirma su compromiso con la promoción de la salud, la integración regional y el fortalecimiento de políticas de bienestar para toda la comunidad universitaria.