Guatemala, January 2024 – The FUNDEA Corporate Group, always attentive to external events that may have a positive or negative impact on the environment of various economic and productive sectors in Guatemala, and with a clear commitment to continuous improvement backed by a solid track record of over 32 years financing the agricultural and livestock sectors in the country, is proud to announce the successful development of the first Scientific Research Center in Guatemala focused on climate change adaptation and resilience.​

In line with its strategic vision for continuous productivity improvement, FUNDEA has partnered with SIUCOM, the leading research center in the measurement of rainfall, water and soil pH, and climate changes, based on IoT (Internet of Things) technology and focused on environmental parameter measurement.​

For some time, FUNDEA and SIUCOM have been effectively collaborating in the search for solutions to address environmental, climate, and social challenges, with a strong emphasis on SMART WATER USE. This contribution to society has proven to be a solid step toward creating opportunities for a more sustainable and resilient economy.

SIUCOM offers climate-smart technologies, cutting-edge rain gauges, and devices that collect real-time data 24/7, 365 days a year, providing accurate insight into precipitation patterns.​

In addition, the capability to measure water and soil pH, wind speed, CO2 levels, and soil moisture—combined with satellite-based climate alerts and, most importantly, correlated with BIG DATA held by FUNDEA Microfinance—enhances decision-making. Over its 32-year history, FUNDEA has financed farmers and micro and small business entrepreneurs across Guatemala, spanning diverse types of crops nationwide.​

Through the RapiFundea app, clients have access to valuable business and crop-related information such as agricultural product price volatility, plant diseases, and guidance on the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. As a result, FUNDEA Corporate Group and SIUCOM provide farmers with an invaluable tool for planning and real-time data-driven decision-making, effectively saving costs and increasing productivity.

Mr. Hugo Villavicencio, Chairman of the Board of FUNDEA Corporate Group, stated:

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“With the implementation of the first Scientific Research Center, we are positive and proud to achieve our core objectives as a Group focused on IMPACT FINANCE. This initiative has allowed us to assemble a top-tier team of scientists and biologists specialized in environmental, food security, toxicological, and water issues, along with mathematicians developing analyses and algorithms correlated with the extensive data FUNDEA holds on small producers. This enables us to provide accurate, reliable, and timely information for the SMART USE OF WATER and its impact on crop productivity. We’ve also realized we can contribute to other economic sectors in the country—such as housing, industry, and commerce—by providing insights into water levels and contractions resulting from El Niño or La Niña effects.

FUNDEA Corporate Group and SIUCOM, with their vast experience in the agricultural sector, have deployed a network of over 1,000 rain gauges throughout the country, collecting data from more than 17,000 farmers and 43 crop varieties. Their continued collaboration reinforces FUNDEA’s commitment to impact finance, proactively addressing environmental and climate challenges. Both organizations aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize the supply chain. SIUCOM’s customized solutions align with FUNDEA’s vision of building a smarter, more sustainable world where precision and efficiency come together to face future challenges.​

This alliance is not merely a partnership—it is a shared effort and commitment that is already yielding significant results in building a sustainable future, where impact finance merges with climate-smart technology to create a more resilient and prosperous environment.​

Guatemala, January 2024 – The FUNDEA Corporate Group, always attentive to external events that may have a positive or negative impact on the environment of various economic and productive sectors in Guatemala, and with a clear commitment to continuous improvement backed by a solid track record of over 32 years financing the agricultural and livestock sectors in the country, is proud to announce the successful development of the first Scientific Research Center in Guatemala focused on climate change adaptation and resilience.​

In line with its strategic vision for continuous productivity improvement, FUNDEA has partnered with SIUCOM, the leading research center in the measurement of rainfall, water and soil pH, and climate changes, based on IoT (Internet of Things) technology and focused on environmental parameter measurement.​

For some time, FUNDEA and SIUCOM have been effectively collaborating in the search for solutions to address environmental, climate, and social challenges, with a strong emphasis on SMART WATER USE. This contribution to society has proven to be a solid step toward creating opportunities for a more sustainable and resilient economy.

SIUCOM offers climate-smart technologies, cutting-edge rain gauges, and devices that collect real-time data 24/7, 365 days a year, providing accurate insight into precipitation patterns.​

In addition, the capability to measure water and soil pH, wind speed, CO2 levels, and soil moisture—combined with satellite-based climate alerts and, most importantly, correlated with BIG DATA held by FUNDEA Microfinance—enhances decision-making. Over its 32-year history, FUNDEA has financed farmers and micro and small business entrepreneurs across Guatemala, spanning diverse types of crops nationwide.​

Through the RapiFundea app, clients have access to valuable business and crop-related information such as agricultural product price volatility, plant diseases, and guidance on the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. As a result, FUNDEA Corporate Group and SIUCOM provide farmers with an invaluable tool for planning and real-time data-driven decision-making, effectively saving costs and increasing productivity.

Mr. Hugo Villavicencio, Chairman of the Board of FUNDEA Corporate Group, stated:

​
“With the implementation of the first Scientific Research Center, we are positive and proud to achieve our core objectives as a Group focused on IMPACT FINANCE. This initiative has allowed us to assemble a top-tier team of scientists and biologists specialized in environmental, food security, toxicological, and water issues, along with mathematicians developing analyses and algorithms correlated with the extensive data FUNDEA holds on small producers. This enables us to provide accurate, reliable, and timely information for the SMART USE OF WATER and its impact on crop productivity. We’ve also realized we can contribute to other economic sectors in the country—such as housing, industry, and commerce—by providing insights into water levels and contractions resulting from El Niño or La Niña effects.

FUNDEA Corporate Group and SIUCOM, with their vast experience in the agricultural sector, have deployed a network of over 1,000 rain gauges throughout the country, collecting data from more than 17,000 farmers and 43 crop varieties. Their continued collaboration reinforces FUNDEA’s commitment to impact finance, proactively addressing environmental and climate challenges. Both organizations aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize the supply chain. SIUCOM’s customized solutions align with FUNDEA’s vision of building a smarter, more sustainable world where precision and efficiency come together to face future challenges.​

This alliance is not merely a partnership—it is a shared effort and commitment that is already yielding significant results in building a sustainable future, where impact finance merges with climate-smart technology to create a more resilient and prosperous environment.​

World Environment Day invites us to reflect on the impact our actions have on the planet. It serves as a reminder that protecting the environment and building a sustainable future is a responsibility shared by each and every one of us. With the goal of improving people’s lives and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come, the IDB Group is supporting countries in adopting measures that address environmental challenges.​

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In the case of Guatemala, the agricultural sector represents 14% of the GDP, generates around 30% of employment, and contributes approximately 60% of the country’s exports. The importance of agriculture to the economy has driven it to become a continuously growing sector. However, challenges such as inequality, entrenched poverty in rural areas, limited access to financing and technology, and insufficient technical knowledge to intensify agricultural production have led to unsustainable growth. This has resulted in increasing deforestation rates and has positioned Guatemala as the second most vulnerable country to climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

In this context, the “Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies” project was born through a partnership between the Fundación para el Desarrollo Empresarial y Agrícola de Guatemala (FUNDEA)—with over 31 years of experience serving the agricultural sector—IDB Lab, the innovation laboratory of the IDB Group, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The main goal is to strengthen farmers’ capacities to adapt to and mitigate climate change by providing access to capital and facilitating mechanisms to scale up the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies.

This is being achieved through a blended finance model, which aims to promote the financing of climate-smart technologies. These technologies are typically not funded by commercial banks due to their perceived risk and the need for long-term repayment terms.

Additionally, a solutions model has been developed to optimize water resources using tools such as agricultural-use polymers, rain gauges, infrastructure, and solar-powered irrigation systems. Through the Social Management and Business Development Unit (FUNDEA-UGESDE), farmers receive hands-on support with demonstrations on the use of these agricultural technologies. This effort strengthens the digitization strategy and access to agroclimatic information. Support is also being provided in the design of an environmental and social risk management system, along with a model to measure the economic, social, and environmental impact of the proposed strategies. Furthermore, building farmers’ capacities to face climate change contributes to the creation of green jobs, helping improve local economies in harmony with the environment.

 Currently, the project is being implemented in six regions of Guatemala, and 90% of the beneficiaries belong to one of the 25 Mayan languages and cultures that coexist in the country. Through a line of credit channeled via FUNDEA, around 10,000 farmers are directly benefiting, receiving long-term financing to adopt climate-smart technologies. It is estimated that these farmers will achieve up to a 50% increase in productivity, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1.2 tons, improve their climate change resilience, and increase their incomes.

This type of initiative shows us how important it is to join forces and work together as a society to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable world. Let us celebrate this day by reflecting on the need for a collective shift that restores balance to our environment.​