Development and Use of Bioinputs

Executive Summary

The project "Development and Use of Bio-inputs for Sustainable Agriculture in Latin America" aims to promote the sustainability of agricultural systems by making bio-inputs more available and efficiently utilized, helping to address the current economic and climate challenges in the region's agriculture. With a comprehensive approach, the project focuses on four main components: quality standardization, which involves harmonizing bio-input production and quality control protocols to ensure their efficacy and safety; bio-input development and evaluation, which drives the creation of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents through laboratory, greenhouse, and field testing in strategic crops like maize, beans, and citrus; the implementation of agricultural management schemes that incorporate bio-inputs to enhance crop nutrition and protection, thereby reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides; and knowledge management and training, aimed at educating producers and technicians in these technologies through training sessions and workshops, complemented by a virtual platform that centralizes technical information on bio-inputs. With the participation of Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, and Venezuela and the support of institutions such as INTA, DICTA, IDIAP, and INIA, the project aims to benefit 2,000 producers directly and another 7,600 stakeholders indirectly across the region. Active participation from women, youth, and farming families is also encouraged. With an estimated duration of 42 months and a total cost of $576,759, of which $200,000 is funded by FONTAGRO and the remainder provided by local contributions, the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, seeking not only to improve productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems but also to reduce environmental impact and enhance climate resilience in Latin America.

The technological solution

The technological solution of the project focuses on the development and use of effective and sustainable bio-inputs for agriculture, specifically targeting small and medium-sized producers. These bio-inputs include microorganisms for nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization, as well as biocontrol agents for specific pests and biofertilizers. The initiative promotes the creation of environmentally friendly products that optimize crop productivity by reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals. Additionally, the project aims to scale these technologies through field validation and quality protocol harmonization. This approach facilitates adoption by producers and enables local institutions and startups to replicate and commercialize these alternatives, thereby strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems and generating economic opportunities in rural areas.

Results

Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries will be at least 2,000 agricultural producers (500 from Costa Rica, 400 from Honduras, 550 from Panama, and 550 from Venezuela) and 6,600 indirect beneficiaries (1,000 from Costa Rica, 2,500 from Honduras, 1,900 from Panama, and 1,200 from Venezuela). Additionally, the project will reach a minimum of 60 researchers and technicians from public institutions and other private sector actors in the participating countries. The work will be carried out in coordination with local organizations, public institutions, academia, and private organizations, ensuring the participation of women, youth, and families involved in agricultural production.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors