We are thrilled to introduce our newest team member, José Manuel Quigua Fajardo, here at Progreso! Today, we want to take a moment to share more about José Manuel and his deep connection to the world of coffee and agroforestry.
Hailing proudly from Colombia, José Manuel is based in the southern region of the country, specifically in the city of Florencia – Caquetá. With a background in Agroecological Engineering and a Master’s in Sustainable Production Systems from the University of the Amazon, José Manuel brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in the agroforestry sector and working closely with rural communities.
José Manuel has been actively involved in providing technical support to rural producers of various agricultural crops. Moreover, he has played a pivotal role in developing agroforestry systems, irrigation systems, organic agriculture, and food security.
He’s not just an expert in his field, but also a dedicated educator. For over 7 years, he served as a lecturer at the University of the Amazon, imparting valuable insights into agroforestry systems and tropical crops.
José Manuel’s expertise extends beyond borders, as he has collaborated with international organizations such as USAID and has spearheaded locally and nationally funded productive projects. His influence and contribution have left a lasting impact on diverse communities.
The story of how José Manuel joined Progreso is genuinely inspiring. Observing our efforts in strengthening coffee and cacao producer organizations worldwide through our social media presence, he felt a profound resonance with our mission. Particularly, when he came across our call for an agroforestry expert for Colombia, he didn’t hesitate to apply. His passion for our work and his confidence in his professional capabilities compelled him to take this step.
José Manuel’s role within Progreso is clearly defined. He aims to work closely with coffee and cacao producers, providing them with support, training, and technical assistance related to these crops and agroforestry systems. His experience and knowledge position him uniquely to help producers achieve their goals, increase their yields, and expand their exports.
But his dedication doesn’t stop there. José Manuel deeply understands that his work goes beyond just production; it impacts the quality of life for producers and the capacity-building within organizations. He’s well-equipped to drive significant change with his experience in coffee and cacao production under agroforestry systems.
José Manuel’s passion is rooted not only in his professional training but also in his personal experience as an agricultural producer. His direct interactions with producers grant him a unique perspective into their challenges and needs, motivating him to tirelessly assist them in overcoming hurdles and enhancing their yields.
At Progreso, we are delighted to welcome José Manuel Quigua Fajardo to our team. His experience, passion, and commitment are invaluable assets as we continue to work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for coffee and cacao-producing communities worldwide.
