Capacity Building in Southern Mexico, Western Illinois University

Program Goal and Objectives

This project is designed to utilize the collective expertise at WIU and UAQ to assist UTS in strengthening the skills and increasing the opportunities of rural small-scale producers in Southern Mexico. This will be achieved by providing small producers, faculty and students with professional and academic training, a MBA program in Rural Economics, and workshops and seminars on improving producers’ abilities to effectively compete in today’s global economy.

Specific Initiatives

To provide undergraduate student training in the U.S. to students interested in advancing rural issues
Each spring or summer, four students from Univeridad Autónoma de Queretaro and 24 students from Universidad Tecnológica de la Selva will be selected to attend Western Ilinois University to study English and learn from rural communities in Illinois.
To offer technical and training programs
Sessions will cover a variety of topics such as organic production, alternative crops, contract farming, and marketing basics among others. A total of 48 programs are planned with eight in the U.S., eight in Queretaro, and 32 in Chiapas.

To offer a Capacity Building Master’s Degree in Rural Economics in the U.S.
This customized degree will give Mexican students a better understanding of the market changes that impact small producers and prepare them to assist these producers and related agribusinesses in responding to the needs of the global market. The degree will take one and a half years to complete and consists of four educational and training components: course work, training, research assistantship, and internship.
To provide specialty training sabbaticals in the U.S. for Mexican faculty
Two Mexican faculty members will have the opportunity to come to WIU for a sabbatical. Their presence will encourage greater collaboration for joint research, technical and training sessions, and mentoring student interns.
To establish joint research projects between Mexican and U.S. faculty
At least six research projects are planned for WIU, UAQ, and UC faculty members and students. These projects are designed to develop new strategies and practices for rural communities.