Today, we visited several small family farms that grow tropical crops like bananas, black pepper, and sugarcane. Although the farms we explored were not as large as the plantations we’ve recently toured, they were still incredibly impressive. The primary consumers of these crops are local residents. The local focus highlights the community’s drive to remain sustainable. When our tour began at the first farm, we were introduced to Francini, who is a local entrepreneur and ecotourism advocate who is looking to uplift her community.

Building a business in Sarapaqui is no easy task, and Francini was able to point out several challenges and barriers she faces regularly. One major obstacle that Francini has to deal with is limited infrastructure. Many farms in different areas have upgraded to more industrial facilities that allow them to produce a final product at a much higher speed. These more industrial farms also stand as large competitors. Still, Francini is a great example of how success is possible without high-tech tools. With enough work, a naturally higher quality product is available for the local community. She even lives on the farm with her three children. We were able to meet her youngest daughter, who was very interested in providing entertainment while her mom was giving us the tour. In addition to a lack of infrastructure, Francini has to deal with a lack of finances as well. After doing research of my own, I noticed that many traditional banks view agricultural businesses as high-risk. This creates yet another barrier for Francini’s growth. Without proper financing from the bank, it becomes much more difficult to achieve economic success

The local community plays a crucial role in supporting Francini’s entrepreneurial efforts. It requires more time and energy to produce crops of similar quality to the ones grown under Francini’s control. Without a large inventory, the business heavily relies on the community. The community provides not only payment for the products but also extra resources to ensure high-quality production. Through tourism and government aid, Francini also receives a lot of what is needed to keep the farm up and running. With every plantation visit, it becomes increasingly clear that sustainability and community are deeply valued. Whether or not a farmer has a luxurious life, they put all of their efforts into minimizing waste and staying close to the community.