My peers and I on a farm visit to Anna’s Fruit Farm. We tried a variety of fruits and learned about her farming practices.
Author: Lily Hunt | Major: Economics | Semester: Summer 2024
Hi there! My name is Lily Hunt, and I am a student in the Walton College of Business. I am majoring in Economics and minoring in mathematics and sustainability. This summer (2024) I had the opportunity to further both my education and professional skills in Dangriga, Belize through a service internship with the Ministry of Agriculture. This internship was an immersive way to learn about the Belizean culture and how concepts I’ve learned in class apply to real world economics!
The main responsibility of my internship was to assist my boss, Mr. Novelo, with collecting applications for the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize Program. This program supports small farmers with farms of size ranging from .5 acres to 20 acres of land. These farmers, once accepted into the program, will receive technical assistance to develop sustainable agricultural and environmental practices and the adoption of climate smart technologies. Climate change has impacted farming practices through uncontrolled wildfires, lack of water in the dry season, flooding in the rainy season, and polluted water. Since the agriculture industry makes up around ten percent of Belize’s GDP annually, it is important to develop sustainable practices that will support future growth. Some of these practices include irrigation, water treatment, and using organic fertilizer. The Belizean government strongly supports sustainable development within the agriculture industry and initiated the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize Program to invest further in its farmers. Mr. Novelo took my peers and I to various villages in the Stann Creek District to inform farmers about this program. My role as an intern was to communicate the goal of this grant to farmers and to assist them in applying. We were able to see the beautiful Belizean countryside and learn more from farmers.
Additional to the grant collection, my peers and I shadowed Mr. Ramos, Mr. Campos and Mr. Cooke visiting farms, learning about agribusiness, and attending technical assistance classes. During farm visits, the Ministry of Agriculture is able to work one on one with farmers, providing advice on diseased crops, fertilizer practices, or distributing seedlings. These farm visits allowed me and my peers to observe the day-today farming practices throughout the district and learn more about the challenges of agriculture. We also learned about the agribusiness industry by visiting a chocolate making plant. Some farms, like the cacao farm we visited, hold tours that explain agricultural processes. This is another source of revenue for the farm that is invested back into the farm. Finally, we were able to attend various trainings on safe pesticide practices. I learned about the benefits and process of making organic pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers from home. We also attended a training on how to properly spray pesticides to ensure both the longevity and health of crops. Informing farmers on how to properly use these chemicals is important for the health of crops, the environment, and the farmer. These trainings are crucial for sustainable development and useful tools for farmers.
Reflecting on my time this summer, I am amazed at the rich culture, beautiful nature, and warm people that I found in Belize. One of the most impactful conversations I had was with my coworker, Mr. Ramos. He told me that his favorite part of Belize was how quiet and natural his country is. Many other Belizeans that I spoke to also shared his love for the slow pace of life and respect for nature. On the weekends, our group was fortunate to travel around the country and explore everything Belize has to offer. We hiked waterfalls, snorkeled at the Belize Barrier Reef, visited Mayan ruins, and camped in the jungle. These destinations have been preserved and protected by the Belizean people and government for many years. The Belizean people respect their environment on a physical, cultural, and spiritual level. I am grateful for this opportunity the University of Arkansas provided me to explore this wonderful country, people, and culture that changed me for the better!