Agriculture Research

Corn research

Our current foci are on improving corn yields and establishing small aquaculture systems (for tilapia). Our corn research in 2021 focused on evaluating 3 different locally available seed types, as well as different planting and fertilizer treatments. In the course of this work, we harvested almost 2000 lb of corn, which we distributed to our neighbors in need. Our current research "in the field" (literally) is focused on defining the benefits of different fertilizer usage rates and "turned earth" (vs. just holes in the unbroken soil). We have demonstrated the potential to, in some cases, double corn yield and farmer profit.

We believe that demonstrating the best planting strategies in the fields of local farmers will provide "relevant" data for them to adopt at least some of these approaches, and to share their learning with their friends and neighbors (to aid in reapplication of the techniques).

Currently, we are working with a Guatemalan agronomist to have a number of local farmers replicating the recommendations from our research (funded by us in order to eliminate the "risk" element for the farmers). The intent is to enable local farmers to experience a real yield benefit, and encourage them to modify their planting approaches in the future and share their experience with other farmers, leading to "viral" reapplication.

We are also assessing the prevalence of mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, which lead to severe acute and chronic health effects, in the corn stored in homes in the villages, as well as solar dryers and storage bags to prevent fungal growth.

Solar Dryers

In 2024, 2025, and 2026, Point Loma Nazarene University partnered with us to design and demonstrate several solar drying systems for crops (e.g., corn) or components of animal feeds. Achieving a low moisture content is an essential step in the prevention of fungal growth that can produce mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin and fumonisin, which lead to acute and chronic health effects, especially in children.

The Corn Boat

The corn fields belonging to the farmers living in El Porvenir are almost an hour's strenuous walk from the community. At harvest time, they usually spend a couple of weeks carrying their bags of corn in from the fields, which is quite difficult and time-consuming. We invested in a "corn boat" which we use to transport their crops along the small river in the valley by their fields. For the first Fall 2021 harvest, we transported 160 bags of corn, weighing 75-100 lb each, charging the farmers only the fuel cost for the motor. In December/January, we helped a local young man, Noe Yat, to establish this as a produce transport business. To date, the Corn Boat has transported more than 20 tons of corn from the fields in the local mountains. The Corn Boat system is entering its 4th year of successful operation.