Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) are integrated as a cross-cutting approach to scale Fundación Aldea services and reach as many Aldea families as possible, even in real time.
ICT4D refers to the use of new technologies in developing countries within socio-economic development frameworks, with a strong focus on poverty reduction.
Another key factor is connectivity in intervention areas, since it enables technological transformation processes aligned with the Foundation strategic guidelines. Digital solutions are also complemented by technologies that measure farm parameters and help improve productivity, such as SoilsCare scanners.
Digital agriculture is a vital tool for farmer development and inclusion, while also strengthening production systems. At AldeaGlobal and Fundación Aldea, we have started implementing SoilsCare soil scanners as an innovative option to improve decision-making in coffee production.
To expand the benefits of digital agriculture, we have launched generic and specialized digital capacity-building processes for farmers. Our business advisors and #AldeaZon network participate in training on soil fertility and fertilization, SoilsCare scanner usage, and soil analysis interpretation.
Now, #FamiliaAldea producers can access #accurate information about the #nutritional requirements of their #coffee plots. Different variables can be measured in each farm through soil scanners at low cost and in a relatively short time, improving the timeliness of fertilization decisions.
SoilsCare scanners are part of the "AldeaTech Digital Technical Advisory Plan" developed by AldeaGlobal and Fundación Aldea to increase average productivity by 66% (from 18 to 30 qq of gold coffee per manzana). In 2022, over 2,000 producers were expected to access these benefits, with similar growth projected for following years.
In the calibration process of AldeaTech soil scanners, spatial analysis is used for planning and processing soil-related data.
Fundación Aldea has characterized its intervention area, where Aldea families are present, to identify and prioritize activities based on projects developed by the organization different programs.
Soil sampling for scanner calibration was defined according to the spatial variation of the study area, including altitude, climate, and other environmental factors essential for nutrient availability in soil resources. This allows us to use scanners adjusted to the productive context of northern and central Nicaragua.
