In the dry corridor of Guatemala, a unique agricultural plot is helping farmers combat the effects of climate change. Equipped with advanced digital technologies, the plot functions as both a laboratory and a collaboration space, offering valuable insights to those involved in the agricultural sector. Digital sensors continuously monitor soil humidity, nutrient content, and water requirements for the region’s key crops, while weather stations track agroclimatic conditions. Drones are also employed to manage the cultivation of these crops based on climate-smart practices. However, what truly distinguishes this plot is its role in fostering the growth of Guatemala’s nascent digital agriculture sector.
The concept for this digital agricultural plot emerged from a diploma course in digital agriculture at the Centro Universitario de Oriente (CUNORI), developed through a partnership with CGIAR’s Digital Innovation Initiative and AgriLAC Resiliente. Following the course, the graduates’ interest led to the creation of this project. The course exposed students to the potential of digital agriculture, but it also highlighted a significant gap in Guatemala’s agricultural education system. “The use of digital sensors and the interpretation of that data is not yet a common part of university curricula in Guatemala,” noted Daniel Jimenez, a senior scientist with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. While private agricultural extension services in the country utilize high-frequency data, government agencies still rely on traditional pen-and-paper methods, and farmer organizations lack the necessary training to effectively use this data.
The digital plot at CUNORI is designed to address these challenges by providing a space for professors, students, and entrepreneurs to learn and collaborate on digital agricultural technologies. The ultimate goal is to improve food security in Guatemala, especially in rural areas facing the harsh realities of climate change. The region of Chiquimula, where the plot is located, is part of Central America’s dry corridor, which suffers from frequent droughts and hurricanes. Malnutrition is prevalent, and the region has the highest rate of childhood stunting in Latin America. Farmers in this area need timely and accurate agricultural advice to maintain soil moisture and optimize crop production.
To provide this support, local agroclimatic committees offer weather advisories and recommendations to farmers. However, these suggestions are often too general and not tailored to the specific needs of individual crops. The digital plot aims to enhance this process by generating more precise, data-driven recommendations. By analyzing each crop’s specific water requirements and incorporating real-time data from sensors, the platform empowers local institutions like CUNORI to offer more targeted advice to farmers.
In addition to addressing practical agricultural needs, the project also emphasizes the importance of human capacity. The initial assumption was that farmers would be the primary users of the digital plot, but through a user research process, it became clear that professors and students were equally important. “When we began discussions on the digital plot, professors saw it as a valuable space for students to engage with digital tools in a learning context,” said Melissa Bonilla, a research associate in digital inclusion at the Alliance. This insight led to a shift in focus toward training students in digital agriculture before they enter the workforce, where they may be expected to use such technologies.
Another challenge the digital plot addresses is the lack of locally tested digital tools. Various sensors from different vendors are being tested and calibrated to identify which technologies provide the most accurate and affordable data for local conditions. This ongoing process is key to ensuring the sensors’ effectiveness in Guatemala’s unique agroclimatic environment.
The impact of the digital plot is not limited to the university community. Local entrepreneurs are also developing skills and gaining inspiration from the project. In Chiquimula, where labor shortages are exacerbated by out-migration, students are being encouraged to start their own businesses providing digital agricultural services. “We are creating the idea that they could start their own business providing digital agricultural services,” said Gresia Ramos, a research associate at the Alliance.
The lessons learned from this digital agricultural plot extend beyond Guatemala’s borders. Similar regions, such as the dry corridor of Honduras or other areas facing climate challenges, can benefit from the technologies being tested and refined at CUNORI. Beyond the technology itself, the success of the platform highlights the importance of collaboration. By bringing together various stakeholders including professors, students, and entrepreneurs the CUNORI digital plot is fostering a collaborative model of agricultural innovation that can be replicated in other regions facing food security challenges.
As the digital plot continues to validate new sensors and build capacity within the university to utilize the collected data, it represents a significant step forward in the effort to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods.
