Cassava Production for the Community

Agro₂ works in the Veraguas region of Panama, where 70 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty and inequality is extremely high. In this area less than a third of available agricultural land is developed. High transportation costs and low prices mean it is difficult for most farmers to access markets, so most produce only for subsistence agriculture (to produce enough food for the farmers and their families).

In this area less than a third of available agricultural land is developed. High transportation costs and low prices mean it is difficult for most farmers to access markets, so most produce only for subsistence agriculture (to produce enough food for the farmers and their families).

Cassava to Benefit Farmers

By creating a farmer’s association in the region, we will support the production of cassava and help create infrastructure and aid market access for subsistence farmers. The association will provide training to farmers to buy fertilizer and seeds in collaboration with the Panamanian Ministry of Agriculture (MIDA).

We have integrated production of other cassava products to guarantee diverse and sustainable income streams that will provide more than 200 farmers’ families with additional incomes of around $800 per hectare per year.