By Katherine Ortegón, Universidad ICESI
The project is focused on the Value chain development of bio-inputs and their techno-economical analysis during harvesting and cultivation in order to foster circular practices in Colombian cocoa small farmers. The development of sustainable practices in agro-business is a priority for Colombian Bioeconomy and this project is an opportunity to 1) promote the exchange of students and faculty between Colombia and the US, 2) support Climate Action Projects focused on avoiding the environmental impact of agrochemicals by implementing sustainable techniques, and 3) to contribute to Cacao crops disease treatment and detection while training small farmers on how to improve their living income.
This project is the result of a very special partnership between Purdue University located in WL, Indiana and three(3) Colombian universities: Universidad Eafit located in Medellín, Universidad de Ibagué located in the city of Ibagué and Universidad Icesi located in Cali. Under this partnership, Five(5) colombian students will have the opportunity to make their internship at Purdue and improve their technical, cultural and language skills. Likewise, a Purdue student will have the opportunity to be in Colombia working on the development and implementation of bio-inputs. At least two(2) small and young cocoa farmers will be impacted by their transition towards circular practices using bio-inputs. Finally, the partnering institutions will develop joint workshops that will strengthen the long-term partnership and the scientific ecosystem in this topic.
For more information, please contact Katherine Ortegón, Project Leader or check the winners announcement.