As part of the #FABCityChallenge2024, a promising technological solution has been introduced to support agriculture in Calpan against climate change. The project, led by researchers Juan M. Grados, Felipe Guarnizo, Nancy Wu, Jean-Luc Pierite, Gabriela Alvarez, and Cleverson Fuzeti, integrates modern technology with Calpan’s traditional agricultural practices, addressing issues such as water scarcity and extreme weather conditions.

Calpan, Puebla, is a region with a deep agricultural heritage. For generations, agriculture has been more than just the main source of income; it is intricately woven into the cultural and social fabric of the community. However, this agricultural hub now faces significant challenges. Over the years, Calpan has experienced a drastic loss of nearly 12 meters in accumulated rainfall, leading to a decline in the economically active population within the primary sector and an insufficient supply of essential food.

In response to these pressing issues, the Ancestral Agriculture team has proposed a comprehensive, multi-year strategy. The project aims to foster a future where agriculture thrives without the necessity for migration. This initiative is particularly vital for Calpan’s agricultural community, where 84% of farming relies on rainfall—a resource that has diminished by 19% over the past decade. 

Field research for the project began in San Andrés Calpan with expert interviews. Key findings included the identification of barriers to technology adoption among local producers. The interviews revealed a strong curiosity and willingness to explore new technologies, although concerns about water scarcity remain a significant hurdle.

To address these challenges, the team developed three technological solutions: the Sensor Box, a Mobile Application, and an AI-driven Chatbot platform. The project’s core innovation, the Sensor Box, is a cost-effective device based on the Powar Steam prototype and powered by Arduino Nano. It is equipped with GPS, soil moisture, UV radiation, temperature, and humidity sensors, providing real-time environmental data critical for crop management. This data is displayed on a screen and shared via a mobile app with experts who offer actionable solutions, thereby boosting agricultural productivity.

Additionally, an AI-powered knowledge platform was developed to automate knowledge transfer. Trained on a local expert’s guide, the AI chatbot answers farmers’ questions and offers tailored advice on local challenges. The project also includes expanded expert training in intercultural competence for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), implemented through a phased approach over four years. An educational program, designed around a three-phase timeline, will also be deployed to build intercultural competence and sustainable food production practices.

This approach enhances agricultural resilience by bridging the gap between producers and expert research, enabling policymakers to create evidence-based strategies for long-term food security. Proven practices demonstrate that informed producers can increase efficiency by 400%, raising yields from 1 ton to 5 tons. The initiative is also designed to attract younger generations to agriculture, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic stability in the region.

By integrating modern technology with traditional knowledge, this project promotes sustainable agriculture in Calpan. Strategic partnerships are key to expanding these innovations and ensuring a resilient, data-driven future.

We express our deep appreciation to Fab City Foundation, Fab Foundation, Anahuac University Puebla, Dr. Enrique Zunzunegui, Dr. Ramón Tovar from the Colegio de Postgraduados and the Guardianes Calpan cooperative for their invaluable contributions.

Acknowledgments

• Fablab Anáhuac Peubla;
• Jessica Andrade;
• Marisol Medina Medina;
• Dr. Ramon Tovar Olvera;
• Dr. Enrique Zunzunegui Escamilla;
• Leticia Sánchez Méndez;
• Fab City Foundation