Contribution of the Municipal University Center to the transfer of agricultural technologies in a municipality of Cuba

Abstract

Agricultural innovation is a key element for achieving food and nutritional sovereignty in rural contexts. The objective of this research was to integrate students and professors from the Agricultural Engineering program at the Camajuaní Municipal University Center into the participatory transfer of technologies for the sustainable production of grains and oilseeds. The study was conducted in 10 production units in the municipality, using a qualitative-quantitative approach and a participatory design based on agricultural extension. A diagnostic assessment was applied to identify the main technological needs of the producers, using interviews, direct observation, and strategic analysis tools. Based on the results, 10 technologies related to the management of sorghum, common bean, cowpea, and peanut were implemented, with the active participation of students, producers, and scientific institutions. The results showed increases in planted area, the number of producers involved, and agricultural production, as well as improvements in producer well-being and the adoption of sustainable practices. The dissemination of results allowed for the generalization of the technologies and strengthened the students' analytical, collaborative, and extension skills. It is concluded that the participatory extension methodology applied contributes to local agricultural development and to the fulfillment of the learning objectives of the Agricultural Extension course.