You Better BELIZE it!

Like the title catchy eh? Last post was more on the "interpersonal levels" this blog post, update whatever will be on the the actually experience of the trip. So as many of you know I am currently in Belize, CA.  I guess you can say that I am doing some missionary work for my university. Our main goal was to identify some of the strengths and weakness of the agriculture sector in Belize. We were able to analyze the farmers through open discussion. Some of the main issues are the availability of resources. The supplies to be a great farmer are all here, but the cost of them is what hinders the farmers from being able to acquire them. Another huge issues with the farmers is the weather, and pest management. The weather here in Belize maybe a little a tad bit more humid the heat in America is more intense. They have a great concept of cover structure which the thought process behind that came from our university (way to go Aggies lol). But, I guess to say for the lack of words, management of these structures are an issues of its own. The idea of having these cover structures is to keep the pest damage low in the crops. But due to humidity within the structures is causing the over-saturation of the crops. This over saturation also causes crop and monetary loss because it affects the amount of produced that is valuable during harvest. A solution to this in my opinion would be the addition to ventilation to pull some of the heat and moisture out of the buildings. Also, from my experience working on a IPM  farm I suggested the idea of row cropping which every other row was the cash crop.The in between rows were crop variety that wasn't as "important" that the insects will be drawn to. One of the farmers is actually utilizing this system from the skills acquired from small fields day (again way to go Aggies lol).  How did I forget to mention the farmers, the cohort included: Cesar Abbidas, Gary Canto, Monases Canto, and Mr. Rosato. As individuals they are really great friends. They live in the village together and help each other out when needed. As sellers is more of a competition. At the market which is usually Friday and Saturday the farmers (not just the four) have to be really competitive with there proces due to the public's economical standing. Unlike America (barf), our consumers pay top dollar for the cleanest, best looking, "organic" fruits and vegetables. Here in Belize they citizens are mainly worried about the cost. They want the same crops but least expensive seller. Which causes the farmers to decrease the prices of these produce to dramatically low prices. But, if they do not they will not sell anything, and have ALL THESE CHICKENS lol but no they will have all this produce just rotting away. As a cohort the student where able to pool together $500 USD to buy supplies to the farmers. Soooo $500 USD is equal to $1,000 BZD. We were able spend two days working along side the farmers on there farms lol. The group divided into two and had different task on but farms. Our tasks involved planting peanuts which is a cash crops here. Also, at another farmer we weeded and with my giraffe tallness I helped stand some sweet pepper plants. It was really good to see the farmers again. They still remember me and I will always have family here in Belize, CA.=)

We also spent time at the University of Belize Central Farm. There we communicated with the extension officers and the Ministry of Agriculture. Oh yes, Stay by NeYo is playing.Y'all know that is the (my) cousins anthem. But anyway, The shocking thing is that are also experience some of the same challenges of the farmers. Even with these challenges that are still trying to help the farmers by developing different training and school for the farmers. They have demonstrations that allow the farmers to come to UBCF and observe proper harvesting procedures. The agriprocessing unit is teamed up with primary and secondary schools to develop health feeding for the kids that are also affordable.

We were also able to into the Lookout territory which is also the Mennonites land. The group of people are the primary supplier of grains and sugars. A lot of the citizen have to pay the Mennonites to store produce due the the expensive cost of having there own storage. The difference between the two areas within the same country are unbelievable. I actually felt like we were back in America. The infrastructures, supplies, and the people reminded me of America. It makes you wonder "how are you so developed but they are not"but I am still trying to figure this out lol.

So far I have gained so much insight of the country. Not just from officers but from the locals. I always was a sting believer of the "streets be talking". Being able to actually talk to the locals (a little under the influence, but its okay lol) about there perspective of Belize amazing. It has there similarities and differences between government and citizens. I'll continue to update this blog so i don't have so many blog post lol