Working with farmers in Cuba: Yunielvis Muñoz Guerra’s story

In Cuba, access to a wide range of nutritious food is a challenge for everyone. The U.S. embargo, deep financial deficit, energy crisis, the breakdown of ecosystems due to poor agricultural management, and the impacts of climate change have forced Cuba to import more than 70% of the necessary resources to produce food. This is costly and unsustainable for Cuba.

In rural areas of the country, there are additional challenges. There is a lack of agricultural resources and labourers, which has led to a food production crisis in the country. The root cause of these challenges lies in the traditional patriarchal and masculine culture of the agriculture sector, where women only make up just over 15% of employees.

CARE’s She Produces Too Project is working to transform food systems to be sustainable, equitable, fair and inclusive in the Matanzas Province, Cuba. Yunielvis Muñoz Guerra participates in the project and shares the impact it has made for his family.

My name is Yunielvis Muñoz Guerra. I was born in the municipality of Perico, Cuba and have lived here all my life. I have always worked in the fields, but I used to do it on land that did not belong to me. Today, for the first time, we own our farm. And that has changed my life.

I learned about the Ella También Produce (She Produces Too) project thanks to my brother-in-law. He used to work on the farm, but when he decided to emigrate, the land passed to us and that’s when we took part in the project.

It was hard at first. The farm was land left unseeded and unplowed, it was full of weeds and I had to start from scratch. Spring was just beginning, and when the first rains fell, I planted fruit trees, corn, sweet potatoes, guava, avocado and sesame. But it wasn’t easy. After those first rains, not a drop fell for 21 days. But we didn’t stop, we couldn’t.

My days began by looking at the sky and asking “Will it rain today?” Everything depended on the weather. If it rained, you planted; if not, you lost. It was constant uncertainty. But with the arrival of the solar powered irrigation systems thanks to the project, everything changed.

Now I can plant at any time of the year. It has been a learning process, because using the system requires knowledge, but it has been worth it. Today I have more security, more stability, and I can plan my production better.

All in the family

My family is fully involved in the farm, and that has given the work so much meaning, and I know the progress made will last. Everyone contributes according to their abilities and preferences, and that has created an atmosphere of collaboration and respect within the home. My son for example is very studious—passionate about school and performs very well academically. I deeply respect and value this, so I don’t pressure him with farm work. I understand that not everyone has to be a farmer, and that it’s all about recognizing what each person likes and what motivates them.

My daughter on the other hand has shown a keen interest in agriculture. She enjoys working on the farm, is enthusiastic, and has already said she wants to be an agronomist. Seeing her so committed fills me with pride, because I feel that the love for the land is being passed down from generation to generation.

When we installed the solar powered irrigation systems, the whole family threw themselves into the task. My wife, daughter and son actively participated alongside the project team. It was a very special moment because not only were we improving the farm, but we were doing it together, as a family.

"I am happy with what we have achieved, because this not only benefits me, but also my family who works with me, and the community, which benefits from the food we produce." – Yunielvis Muñoz Guerra

Changing views of women’s leadership

Since participating in the project’s workshops, I learned a lot about the value of women’s participation in the field. I didn’t think about it much before, but now I understand that women can lead, make decisions, and do any agricultural task just like men. On our farm, during peak harvest times, we already have women from the community joining us in the work. Here, there is no gender difference in wages. The work is paid equally, regardless of whether it is done by a man or a woman.

The farm is my responsibility, and I am always involved. Every plant, every drop of water, every tool in the field is extremely valuable. And in the conditions we are living in, with so many difficulties in getting the resources we need, we have to protect what we have. That constant vigilance is part of my commitment to my work, my family and the project.

How solar irrigation is making a big difference

The irrigation system has been a huge help to me as a producer. With so many electricity problems in the country, having a system that runs on solar panels is a blessing. I no longer depend on whether or not there is power to irrigate my crops. That really gives me peace of mind.

The system is very useful in caring for the plants. For example, tomatoes suffer a lot when there is fog, but with irrigation I can wet the leaves and prevent them from being damaged. It is also good for the soil, because it stays moist and that improves the production quality.

Another advantage is that the physical work has been reduced. Before, I had to carry heavy hoses which is very tiring, but now everything is designed better. It is more comfortable, faster and safer. I am happy with what we have achieved, because this not only benefits me, but also my family who works with me, and the community, which benefits from the food we produce. The irrigation system has marked a before and after on our farm.

My dream is to see the entire farm planted and producing. Little by little, we have been working, and the change is noticeable. But it is not enough to say “This is my farm.” You have to go in, plant, take care of each plant and be aware of everything. The field needs effort every day, and I am willing to continue working so that the farm grows and yields good results.