FUNDAP and technology

Since its inception, the Foundation has prioritized the use of technology to make tasks more efficient, both within the organization -in our methods and work processes-, as well as in the services we provide to our beneficiaries; supporting them in the knowledge, management, and use of these technologies. To do this, we have turned to “cutting edge” technologies, as well as appropriate and adequate technologies.

The reason for the implementation of technology is because when technology is incorporated into any process, it increases productivity, which can be measured as the achievement of more production with the same input; it can also be measured by reduction of time and effort; or a combination of both advantages. Technologies, as we know, are the result of transferring scientific discoveries in instruments or apparatus for practical application.

This is how for several years FUNDAP has worked on the pursuit of technologies which are suitable for sheep producers and wool processing; and later on, through institutional alliances, on issues of solar drying of wood, ceramic firing, fiber treatment for making garments, for personal use, and for other craft products.

With this initiative, technological strategies were implemented to streamline the work of wool in Momostenango, as well as the sheep farmers in the Sierra Madre and the Cuchumatanes. These technologies were also implemented with the wood craftsmen in Nahualá, the producers of ceramic articles in Totonicapán, and with the fiber weavers in El Quiché.

A highly appreciated product for the sheep farmers of the Sierra Madre and the Cuchumatanes was the “mobile fold,” which allows sheep producers to improve the genetics of their animals by managing reproduction, recover the forest through natural reforestation, clean the wool while avoiding contact with mozote plants, and especially free up time the “shepherd children,” who, not having to be permanently guarding the herd, have been able to dedicate time to more humane and productive tasks.

Appropriate technologies have been further developed by FUNDAP in craft support projects. In the same way, “high productivity” technologies are being implemented in family production of vegetables, fruits, and corn in high efficiency systems, in various places with a novel methodology.

In terms of information and control, both internally and administratively, FUNDAP has the most modern and efficient systems for producing accurate and timely metrics.

This is how the Foundation’s collaborators stay up to date and prepared for technology implementation, allowing both the collaborators as well as the beneficiaries to stay informed. Furthermore, thanks to the technology that we use at FUNDAP we are able to measure the impact of our programs.

Today, as artificial intelligence and robotics bring us more and more efficiency and productivity, we must be up to date and prepared for the use of these technologies; technologies that, without losing the human spirit, can be implemented for better and more timely production. FUNDAP collaborators are prepared to take on the challenge of combining technology with humanism, speed with truthfulness of data, and very importantly, efficiency with respect for personal dignity, such as stated in the founding postulate of FUNDAP.