{"id":37926,"date":"2025-10-13T15:04:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T21:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/?p=37926"},"modified":"2025-10-14T10:31:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T16:31:08","slug":"escuelas-de-campo-espacios-vivos-de-aprendizaje-colectivo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/2025\/10\/13\/escuelas-de-campo-espacios-vivos-de-aprendizaje-colectivo\/","title":{"rendered":"Field Schools: Living Spaces for Collective Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em><em><em><em>Honduran livestock families strengthen their knowledge, boost productivity, and build sustainable solutions to face climate change.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/li><\/ul><p>In the context of climate change and production challenges, the technical team of the MAF\u2013Livestock\u2013HN Project is leading participatory processes with Honduran livestock families to promote more efficient and sustainable production.&nbsp;<\/p><p>As part of the Training of Trainers Program, facilitators from the technical assistance component of MAF\u2013Livestock\u2013HN and partner organizations such as Ayuda en Acci\u00f3n and ODEF are strengthening the skills of those who guide change processes in the livestock sector. These facilitators receive practical and participatory training to later replicate dynamic sessions with farming families in Farmer Field Schools (FFS).<br><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"462\" data-id=\"37965\" src=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-1024x462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-2048x923.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-18x8.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo3-600x270.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"462\" data-id=\"37966\" src=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-1024x462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-2048x923.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-18x8.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo4-600x270.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/figure><p><br>Located in the main livestock-producing departments of Honduras (Yoro, Col\u00f3n, Olancho, and Choluteca), the FFS have become true innovation laboratories where farmers learn by doing\u2014experimenting, exchanging knowledge, engaging in dialogue, and building solutions tailored to their reality. In this way, each FFS promotes the development of sustainable, low-carbon, people-centered livestock farming.<\/p><p>During this session, specialists from CURLA, Zamorano, Heifer, and CATIE shared knowledge on precision nutrition and feeding, as well as on parasite control in cattle. The modules covered topics such as feed production and ecto- and endoparasitic diseases (CURLA); milking routine, milk quality, and stocking rate (CATIE\u2013Heifer International); and herd structure (Zamorano).<\/p><p>These actions foster more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible livestock systems, aligned with the project\u2019s goals of mitigating climate change impacts and improving the well-being of rural communities.<\/p><p>Cattle farming is a cornerstone of the Honduran rural economy, yet it faces major challenges: nutritional deficiencies in herds, low productivity, and high incidence of parasitic diseases, especially in tropical zones.<\/p><p>To address these challenges, the MAF\u2013Sustainable Livestock\u2013HN Project has been working since 2023 to implement precision livestock practices aimed at optimizing feed resource use, improving animal health, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.<br><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"462\" data-id=\"37968\" src=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-1024x462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-2048x923.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-18x8.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo2-600x270.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/figure><p><br><br><strong>Key Achievements and Highlights<\/strong><\/p><p>Entre los resultados m\u00e1s destacados de las jornadas se encuentran:<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37969\" style=\"width:562px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo5.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><p>More than 2,111 farmers trained in sustainable practices that integrate local knowledge with modern technical tools. Among them, 15.8% are women, 15.15% are youth under 30, 65.5% are adults up to 50, and 19.3% are older adults\u2014reflecting the project\u2019s commitment to inclusion and gender equity.<\/p><p>Implementation of precision feeding plans that improve forage utilization and reduce dependency on external inputs.<\/p><p>Potential reduction of GHG emissions through more efficient and balanced feeding management.<\/p><p>Design of context-specific parasite control programs, improving herd health and productivity.<\/p><p>Active participation of rural women and youth, promoting inclusion and community leadership.<\/p><p>Through these efforts, MAF\u2013CATIE reaffirms its commitment to sustainable, profitable, and inclusive livestock farming in Honduras, built on a combination of technical knowledge, participatory education, and environmental stewardship.<\/p><p><br><br><br><strong>Voices from the Field<\/strong><\/p><p>\u201cWe learned how to calculate how much feed our cattle actually need and how to make better use of the pasture we produce on the farm,\u201d said Alexis Rigoberto Espinal, from Jicaral, Linaca, Choluteca.<\/p><p>\u201cWith the deworming plan, we now know how to prevent diseases before they affect production. It\u2019s an improvement for us and for our animals,\u201d added Edas Mondrag\u00f3n, facilitator from Choluteca.<\/p><p>According to M.Sc. Josu\u00e9 Mauricio Flores, nutrition specialist, \u201cthese trainings allow livestock families to become active agents of change, applying more efficient practices that benefit both the family economy and the environment.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhen livestock families apply their knowledge to produce quality milk, they have a better chance of getting a good price in the market. Good milking practices make farms more productive and sustainable,\u201d said Francisco Erazo, facilitator from Olancho.<\/p><p>\u201cGood milking practices, such as preventive health management and appropriate use of medications, have helped increase productivity and reduce carbon emissions,\u201d commented H\u00e9ctor Yovani Rueda, farmer from Balcanes, Choluteca.<\/p><p>\u201cKnowing herd structure is key to farm management, as it helps identify areas for improvement, set production goals, and shape the business vision,\u201d highlighted Juan Carlos Galeano, facilitator from FEGASURH, Choluteca.<\/p><p>\u201cThis training process allows us to standardize criteria and align processes to drive sustainable livestock farming\u2014economically, environmentally, and socially. Involving actors from different sectors significantly increases the chances of achieving that goal; in fact, the project was designed with this approach in mind,\u201d emphasized Edwin Garc\u00eda, coordinator of the project\u2019s Technical Assistance component.<br><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-1024x375.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-1024x375.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-300x110.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-768x281.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-1536x563.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-18x7.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6-600x220.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Escuelas-de-campo6.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p><br><br><strong>About the MAF Livestock Honduras Project<\/strong><\/p><p>The MAF\u2013Livestock\u2013HN Project will continue strengthening local capacities through field sessions and technical modules focused on productive efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.<\/p><p>In the coming months, trainings will expand to other departments of the country, incorporating topics such as genetic improvement, manure management, and climate change adaptation.<\/p><p>In this way, MAF reaffirms its commitment to low-emission, profitable, and inclusive livestock farming in Honduras, improving productivity without compromising natural resources or the well-being of rural communities.<br><br><br><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>More information\/written by: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Gina Samanti Puerto Moraz\u00e1n<br>Comunicaciones<br>Transforming the Honduran Livestock Sector <br>into a Low-carbon Economy<br>MAF-Ganader\u00eda-HN.<br><a href=\"mailto:gina.puerto@catie.ac.cr\">gina.puerto@catie.ac.cr<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p><\/div><\/div><p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>En un contexto de cambio clim\u00e1tico y desaf\u00edos productivos, el personal t\u00e9cnico del Proyecto MAF\u2013Ganader\u00eda\u2013HN impulsa procesos participativos con familias ganaderas hondure\u00f1as para promover una producci\u00f3n m\u00e1s eficiente y sostenible.&nbsp; En el marco del Programa de Capacitaci\u00f3n a Capacitadores, la &hellip; <\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":37964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"pmpro_default_level":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[224,131,102],"class_list":["post-37926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-cambio-climatico","tag-escuelas-de-campo","tag-ganaderia-sostenible","pmpro-has-access"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37926"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38004,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37926\/revisions\/38004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}