US (PA): Empowering Honduran women in the horticultural value chain

A student at Penn State University was awarded funding to develop educational materials to empower Honduran women in the horticultural value chain.

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Office of International Programs has awarded Jennie Mazzone, dual M.S. student in Plant Pathology and International Agriculture and Development (INTAD), nearly $2,500 through the Penn State INTAD Graduate International Research Competitive Grants Program.

This program provides an opportunity for graduate students enrolled in the INTAD dual-title degree program to conduct research in an international setting.

Jennie will complete this project during the spring semester (January-May 2016). Her research is titled "Developing educational materials to incorporate into training for Western Hondurans working towards women empowerment in the horticulture value chain."

Abstract
Women in the horticultural value chain of the Western highlands of Honduras are continually challenged by multiple factors that limit participation. One of these factors is disease driven yield loss. Initial research done through the Women in Agriculture Network (WAGn): Honduras project has identified obstacles that limit the participation of women, in an effort to develop technologies and practices that increase household income and nutrition. These technologies will be promoted at the Horticulture Innovation Lab Regional Center at Zamorano in Farmer Field Schools. In order to enhance these programs, educational materials need to be designed for the Farmer Field School leaders. This proposal seeks to identify current materials being used at Zamorano and design new curricula to aid professionals and growers in low-input disease management decisions. Mazzone will travel to Honduras to connect with Extension professionals and growers so that she can identify culturally-appropriate management recommendations. These materials will provide a linkage between up-to-date research and extension, while reducing yield loss and enhancing household nutrition. In combination with the Farmer Field Schools, these materials have the ability to increase the productive capacity of growers through a multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary, and holistic approach to managing diseases.

For more information:
Jennie Diehl Mazzone
E-mail: jrd5407@psu.edu
Phone: 814-865-2204

Publication date: Thu 17 Dec 2015