Goat Module Strengthens its Legacy Following Donation to the La Suiza Technical Professional College

• The project consolidates its mission to transform agricultural production and highlights its work in favor of educating future generations and rural development.

On October 15, 2024, as part of the AGROINNOVA project, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), together with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and with funding from the European Union, delivered seven goats and a veterinary supplies kit to the La Suiza Technical Professional College (CTP).

This donation represents the closing of an important chapter in the mission of the Goat Module and marks the beginning of a new stage of learning and rural development for the students of the institution.

Over the last four years, the Goat Module has significantly worked on training more than 150 producers and has benefited over 1,700 people in 32 countries. Through activities such as Agrosilvopastoral Field Schools (ECAs), it has promoted the transfer of knowledge on sustainable practices, impacting producers, technicians, and students, with a notable female participation of 52% and a wide age range between 14 and 72 years. This inclusive approach has been key to strengthening rural communities and their sustainable development.

The Goat Module has not only promoted sustainable production but has also strengthened food security and climate resilience, fostering inclusion and sustainable development in rural communities across Latin America and the Caribbean. Local community strengthening was another focus, through the donation of high-quality reproductive animals and grass and forage seeds, in addition to providing free access to breeding services. This contributed to improving local goat production, providing opportunities for producers, and fostering social inclusion.

Research conducted within the project has also been crucial. Among the most notable results are the financial evaluation of agrosilvopastoral orchards and the market analysis of goat dairy products in the region, studies that have contributed to improving productive management and competitive market strategies.

Mabel Arcos, Coordinator of the Goat Module, highlighted the positive impact of the project: “We have promoted the consumption of goat milk and its derivatives as a fundamental tool to combat food insecurity, promoting its nutritional value and contributing to the health of communities. Additionally, our initiatives have driven the development of new value-added techniques, allowing producers to diversify their diet, increase their income, and improve their families’ quality of life.”

Arcos also emphasized the importance of the donation to the La Suiza CTP: “We hope that the students will continue this learning and knowledge transfer work, promoting sustainable goat production and fostering ecotourism, a sector with great potential on farms in the area.”

Luis Guillermo Cruz, Technical Coordinator of the La Suiza CTP, expressed his gratitude for the donation: “The delivery of these animals is an invaluable opportunity for our students, who will have the responsibility of becoming agents of change in local production.”

With this donation, the legacy of the Goat Module not only continues but ensures a lasting impact on future generations and the local community, promoting sustainability and rural development through education and innovation.