Permaculture and Solar Thermal Dried Solar Fruits to Sustain Education and Women Empowerment in Peten, Guatemala
By Prof. Morgan Kiani – IES Representative in ISV
Guatemala is the most populated country in Central America, with a population of more than 17 million people (Fig 1). Despite being a relatively small country (108,000 sq. km), it has a variety of climates due to environmental factors. These characteristics concentrate agricultural production in only certain regions of the country, thereby causing a very strong limitations in other regions. Therefore, malnutrition and illiteracy rates are high. According to data from the Central American Integration System SICA, in 2022 the region of the department of Petén had a chronic malnutrition rate of 25.3%.
The objective of this project is to design, develop, and implement a hand-made solar drying fruit equipment, and a solar-powered water drip irrigation system that is controlled by a low-power consumption micro-controller in a permaculture farm in Poptun, Petén, located in the north east of Guatemala.
Women in Guatemalan villages often play a central role in collecting water for their families and communities. Women beat the sunrise on a daily basis to collect water in plastic jugs for farming and household uses and functions (Fig 2).
The solar-powered water drip irrigation system uses solar panels to pump water from a well into a storage tank and provides it to the irrigation system when needed. Drip irrigation involves placing tubing with emitters on the ground alongside the plants. The emitters slowly drip water into the soil at the root zone. Because moisture levels are kept at an optimal range, plant productivity and quality will improve (Fig 3).
The system, which provides a constant source from a well, includes the following benefits:
- Creation of job opportunities and revenue generation by providing access to products and services that are not currently available in the community:
- Agricultural production for basic grains such as corn and beans, native vegetables, fruits, and other native products in the country for local commercialization.
- Fresh and safe water source for peasant farmers and families with a rental fee.
- Expansion of educational resources – creation of a community center that caters to:
- Training of many types (electrical and water system maintenance, water well maintenance, computer use, and other educational topics)
- Commercialization of dried fruits to international tourist agencies in Tikal, Peten as a source of healthy and sustainable food.
During the first phase, 10 local producing families of the indigenous group Maya-Queqchí will benefit from job creation and products for their family consumption (Fig 4).
In the first year of implementation, 50 students from the local school of agriculture will be trained.
15 local schools will benefit by having access to school feeding products at better prices. Benefiting approximately 100 students.
Vendors in the local market will benefit by having access to products at a lower price by reducing transportation costs and having better production performance.
Economic benefits of the project: energy cost, fruit and crop yield, carbon footprint, water footprint. Sense of security and protection from the climate situation and drought.
General improvement of the quality of life in the community.
The project is being developed by a group of local engineers that, after realizing the needs of the community where they work, decided to form a non-governmental organization to help the underserved communities. The group is called Associacion De Emprendedores De Poptun (Poptun Entrepreneurs Association). One of its leaders is Juan Valle, President Elect of the Guatemala IEEE Section.
From a wider vantage point, the concept was started as another collaboration between IES and IEEE Smart Village (ISV). This project would not have been achievable without IES financial contribution (Fig 5).
Watch the video (duration 2 minutes 30 seconds)
Thanks to IES members and leaders for their support which made this project possible!