Juan Leonardo
Almanza Antezana

Biography

Agricultural Engineer born in Potosí, Bolivia, he graduated from the Faculty of Agricultural, Livestock, Veterinary, and Forestry Sciences (FCAPV y F) "Martín Cárdenas" at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He pursued postgraduate studies in the Management and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources at the same faculty in 2007 and obtained a diploma in Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (SEP).

He began his professional career in 1991 and, since 1993, has worked as a technician in the Social Sciences Department at PROINPA Foundation, based in the Colomi Municipality. Initially working as a data analyst, he later became a researcher specializing in participatory methodologies and evaluations of promising potato clones with farmers. He has also worked in the area of in situ plant genetic resources and plant health.

He has led several projects, including:

• Participatory Research in Agriculture (IPRA - CIAT)
• Andean Roots and Tubers (RTAs)
• Andean Consortium (Participatory Innovation for Sustainable Native Potato Production for National and Export Markets)
• PIC-Difusión (Dissemination and Implementation of Technological Innovations in Native, Commercial, and Seed Potato Production)
• Fomentando Cambios – FOCAM (Participatory Innovation in Bolivia)
• MKTPlace – EMBRAPA (Capacity Building for Farmers in Native Potato Production and Commercialization)

He has participated in courses and workshops on participatory methodologies, including Local Agricultural Research Committees (CIAL), Farmer Field Schools (ECAs), and Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (SEP). Additionally, he has supervised multiple undergraduate theses at public and private universities and has authored more than three scientific publications.

Currently, his work focuses on integrated climate-resilient projects, agroecological native potato production, and productive diversification, including family garden management for vegetable cultivation.

Projects