Technological Innovation in Tomato Production and Adapted Strategies for Local Farmers as School Meals Suppliers At Save the Children

Consultancy: Technological Innovation in Tomato Production and Adapted Strategies for Local Farmers as School Meals Suppliers.

Consulting Context

Save the Children seeks to strengthen local producers in the department of Quiché, particularly in the municipalities of Cunén, Uspantán, Sacapulas, Nebaj, Cotzal and Chajul, with the aim of linking them to the School Feeding Program, where tomatoes are one of the most in-demand products. However, despite their economic relevance, farmers face serious challenges arising from climate change and the limited availability of tools to analyze soil conditions, such as humidity, nutrients, pH and electrical conductivity.

The lack of accurate data on these factors limits the ability of producers to make informed decisions in the field, making it difficult to select and manage more productive and resistant tomato varieties. Therefore, this consultancy aims to introduce innovative technologies that allow measuring and analyzing soil conditions, as well as training MAGA delegates and local farmers in the use of these tools.

This comprehensive approach will not only help producers evaluate new tomato varieties better adapted to local conditions, but will also optimize yields and reduce production costs. In addition, it will ensure the quality and safety of fresh produce destined for the School Feeding Program – PAE, strengthening the competitiveness of farmers and contributing to the sustainable development of the region.

Aim

Increase tomato productivity and quality in LENS-covered municipalities through an approach focused on soil analysis and management, including the evaluation of moisture, nutrients, pH and electrical conductivity. This will allow the identification of tomato varieties adapted to local conditions, the implementation of sustainable agricultural technologies and the training of MAGA extension agents. These actions seek to guarantee a constant and quality supply for the School Feeding Program, while strengthening the resilience of farmers in the face of climate change.

Services Provided by the Supplier

• The supplier will carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the state of tomato production in the LENS municipalities, prioritizing the evaluation of soil conditions as a basis for determining the most suitable varieties for the School Feeding Program. This analysis will cover critical factors such as humidity, nutrients, pH and electrical conductivity, which will allow a better understanding of the limitations and opportunities presented by the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region. With this information, adapted tomato varieties will be investigated and selected, generating a recommended list that balances quality, sustainability and climate resilience.
• As part of the project, a detailed protocol will be designed that will include viable agricultural technologies for tomato cultivation, with special emphasis on practices that optimize soil management, accompanied by a nutritional and phytosanitary protocol to improve agricultural practices in the agronomic management of tomato crops. This protocol will be accompanied by a user manual and an implementation schedule, ensuring that the innovations are accessible and effective for producers. The record of progress in the demonstration plots will be essential to measure and improve crop yields, promoting more efficient and sustainable production.
• To strengthen local capacities, a training program will be developed for MAGA extension agents, with three training events focused on soil management, innovative technologies and monitoring strategies. In addition, monthly monitoring will be carried out to assess the impact of new varieties and technologies in the field, ensuring timely adjustments in implementation. As part of this process, two field days will be organized in which the results and lessons learned will be presented to local producers, encouraging the adoption of best practices. The consultancy focuses on producers who have 21m x 6m greenhouses, in which they intend to plant tomatoes to improve yield. This strategy is based on the diagnosis, considering the area and the necessary agricultural inputs, in accordance with the nutrition and phytosanitary protocol, as well as on the use of soil measurement equipment for six agricultural extension agents.
• At the end of the project, a final report will be produced that will integrate the findings, recommendations and good practices derived from the activities carried out. This document will lay the foundations for sustainable tomato production, ensuring that future decisions in the region are based on a detailed analysis of the soil and its relationship with crop quality and yield, thus contributing to food security and the resilience of local producers through a sensitivity analysis.

Methodology:

• Participatory approach: Involve 10 to 12 farmers, 5 Technical Field Schools for School Feeding and 5 extension workers in all phases of the project.
• Ten local producers have adequate infrastructure for agricultural production, including 6m x 21m greenhouses and two 441m² mesh houses. The supplier must carry out a diagnosis, provide support and technical assistance throughout the tomato crop cycle.
• The supplier must also propose a new protocol based on its previous experience and on the soil and climate adaptation of the region, which will incorporate good agricultural practices and will be based on the tomato genetic material already used by the twelve local producers. This protocol must demonstrate to the producers that it is possible to improve production through monitoring of measurement parameters, achieving higher yields and profitable and sustainable production.

Research and Development:

• Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used for the selection and evaluation of tomato varieties, highlighting their benefits.
• In the five Technical Schools for School Feeding -ETCAE-, there are 6m x 21m greenhouses. The objective is to implement new genetic material in tomato cultivation to evaluate both performance and market acceptance. This will allow a greater variety of options to be offered within the school feeding program.
• Based on an initial diagnosis and experience, the supplier will propose new varieties, offer technical assistance and support throughout the crop cycle.
• Continuing education: Provide practical training with accessible materials.
• The supplier will propose measurement equipment based on its experience in soil and climate analysis, which will be used by MAGA to analyze data and parameters in agricultural systems, as well as by other members involved in the project. Three interactive training sessions will be planned, focusing on the following topics:
• Soil Management : Strategies for proper soil management that promotes agricultural health and productivity.
• Use and Maintenance of Agricultural Technological Measurement Equipment : Training on the proper handling and maintenance of the equipment, ensuring its efficiency and durability.
• Measurement-Based Decision Making : Development of skills to interpret measurements and agronomic data, facilitating informed decision making based on key parameters.
• Monitoring and adaptation: Implement a monitoring system to adjust practices and technologies based on results and needs. Experience and skills required
• This consultancy will be carried out by a professional or consulting team that has previously demonstrated experience and training, as well as their commitment to Save the Children.
• Required experience and skills:
• Consulting firm or independent professional in Agricultural Sciences , specializing in Soils and Agricultural Production Systems under controlled soil conditions, hydroponics and plant nutrition.
• Experience in Agricultural Projects: More than 5 years of experience in the implementation and management of agricultural projects, focused on controlled conditions, preferably in the agricultural association sector.
• Experience in using soil measuring equipment: Ability to analyze data for decision making on soil and plant nutrition parameters through soil and climate measuring equipment.
• Demonstrate experience in the preparation of consultancies and/or projects focused on the development of tomato production protocols that are adapted to the specific climatic conditions of the region and the use of appropriate genetic material.
• Professional Competencies
• Training and Education Skills: Proven ability to design and carry out training programs for extension workers and farmers, with emphasis on technology transfer and good agricultural practices.
• Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, promoting cooperation and the exchange of knowledge among various actors in the agricultural sector.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Sensitivity to agricultural sustainability and rural development, with experience in implementing practices that promote the conservation of natural resources.
• Time Management: Ability to produce high quality work within deadlines and under pressure, prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Conflict Resolution: Experience in managing and resolving conflict situations, with a proactive and negotiating approach, which is a valuable attribute in collaborative environments.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to write clear and concise reports, and facilitate interaction with various stakeholders in the agricultural field.
• Leadership and Ethics: A person of integrity with leadership skills, capable of inspiring and guiding teams, complying with the agreed work schedule and promoting a positive work culture.
• Data Analysis and Synthesis: Excellent ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative information, generating evidence-based recommendations for improving agricultural practices.
• Teamwork: Commitment and willingness to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering an environment of cooperation and knowledge sharing.
• Agricultural Technical Knowledge: Broad understanding of sustainable agricultural techniques and best practices in tomato production, as well as skills for training extension agents and farmers.