Small and Medium Agricultural and Forestry Enterprises Strengthen Their Capacities in Sustainable Business

• The BLF project trained producers and entrepreneurs to promote triple-impact business models in the Trifinio Region

With the goal of strengthening the business capacities of small and medium agricultural and forestry producers, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) conducted the course "Capacity Development for Strengthening Small and Medium Forestry and Agricultural Enterprises" at the FARO Cooperative Cultural and Learning Center in Esquipulas, Guatemala.

During four days of intensive training, 34 participants (12 women and 22 men), including coffee, vegetable, avocado, and honey producers, as well as representatives from Plan Trifinio, the Savings and Credit Cooperative (COOSAJO R.L.), and the ASOVERDE Association, acquired key tools to improve the management and sustainability of their businesses.

The course, facilitated by experts Vladimir Valera and Juan José Serrano, both from CATIE’s Forests and Biodiversity in Productive Landscapes Unit, covered essential topics such as an introduction to triple-impact sustainable businesses, economic analysis, market strategies, sustainable business models, and strategic alliances. Additionally, the use of the ACTIVA-CATIE Sustainable Business Canvas was promoted, an innovative tool designed to define and strengthen the value proposition of agricultural and forestry enterprises.

Valera emphasized that, in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic challenges facing the Trifinio Region, strengthening small and medium forestry and agricultural enterprises is crucial for promoting sustainable rural development. “This course not only provides practical tools to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of local enterprises, but it also fosters resilient and triple-impact (economic, social, and environmental) business models, directly contributing to sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and the strengthening of territorial governance,” he stated.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in practical exercises where they identified market opportunities, analyzed the feasibility of their products and services, and developed strategies to improve their competitiveness within a framework of environmental and social sustainability.

Impact and Relevance of the Course

The course was organized within the framework of the Resilient and Biodiverse Landscapes of Northern Mesoamerica Project, implemented by CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), with funding from the United Kingdom’s Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF). This initiative aims to promote sustainable rural development in the Trifinio Region, a key territory for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Participants highlighted the quality of the course, giving it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Among the feedback received, the dynamic and accessible methodology was particularly praised, as it facilitated the understanding of business concepts for those with no prior experience in these areas.

Additionally, evaluations noted that "the visual and didactic materials were excellent. The facilitators explained concepts strategically and innovatively, providing almost personalized follow-up, which helped in the effective application of the tools."

Towards a Future with More Opportunities

This course is the first in a series of training sessions that will continue to support small and medium agricultural and forestry enterprises in the Trifinio Region. The goal is for these enterprises to access new markets and financing opportunities in the future, such as seed or venture capital, to strengthen their growth and sustainability.

"With initiatives like this, we aim to contribute to productive transformation in Latin America, promoting responsible business models that generate a positive impact on the economy, society, and the environment," concluded Alejandra Martínez-Salinas, project coordinator at CATIE.