What went well?

This week I finalized a first version of the data management tool I started last week and presented it to the farm staff. They were very pleased with my work and saw how it could help them. I received valuable feedback from them, particularly regarding how often the form is to be used (i.e. per activity vs. per day), as well as about how to better tailor to the nature of farming activities.

Also, I continued to familiarize myself with the farm’s operation and with the Soil Alliance they lead to support cacao-growing farmers. I collaborated with the farm and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) in an educational cacao tour for an agricultural delegation from Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, I spent a day working with the field staff, getting to know firsthand the operation logistics of small-scale plantations. Finally, I participated in the distribution of cacao trees to farmers as part of the Soil Alliance, in collaboration with the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE, using its Spanish initials). All these activities have allowed me to better grasp the context and needs of local cacao farmers, and how to better contribute to current initiatives.

What could have been done differently?

I could have been more efficient in the development of the data management tool through prioritizing the key aspects first. I invested a lot in developing clean and insightful data visualization first, while first understanding better the farm’s dynamics and adapting the tool to them would have been more productive. This is what I’ll be working on this week, as I noticed my first version is not the most intuitive in the farm’s context. Also, not focusing too much on the details can allow to address other more important topics, such as mapping to comply with deforestation regulations.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

I learned that I am versatile and willing to help, which is very valued in this context where resources are scarce, and multiple challenges have to be addressed simultaneously. Through my involvement in the farm’s activities, I was able to contribute in different ways while learning. I also exhibited creativity and vision in the development of the tool, as despite the needed changes, the idea is simple but very powerful in supporting farmers.

What did I learn about leadership?

I have continued to develop my ability to work independently and to hold myself accountable for progress. At the farm, there are many things to tend to daily and few staff to cover everything, so my progress really depends on my own initiative. Additionally, I have continued to work on my flexibility, by being receptive to feedback and changing course whenever is necessary, instead of following a unique path stubbornly.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I will keep working on the data management tool for it to be better adapted to the farm’s context. I also want to explore the possibility of integrating this with a mapping tool, that could be very helpful in the sustainable certification of the farm and the Soil Alliance farmers. To do so, I need to keep developing my rapport with the farm and continue to communicate with them, seeking collaboration and informed design.

Here is a glimpse of last week's insect biodiversity at the farm!