Zamorano University and IDB Lab Advance Agricultural Innovation with the Opening of the Urban Agriculture Laboratory

Participants tour the Urban Agriculture Laboratory on the rooftop, among rows of hydroponic system pipes under a shade net

Zamorano University and IDB Lab, through the AgroHub project, inaugurated the Urban Agriculture Laboratory, a new facility dedicated to training, experimentation, and technology transfer to support more efficient and sustainable agricultural production systems. The laboratory was officially opened as part of the Urban Agriculture and Hydroponics: Design, Management, and Nutrition of Production Systems course, which brought together educators, agricultural professionals, municipal technical staff, and producers interested in exploring innovative approaches to agricultural production.

An instructor presents in front of a screen showing the title Urban Agriculture to course participants

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Sustainable Food Systems for Cities Program (SAS-Ci), implemented by Rikolto, and the Association of Municipalities of Lake Yojoa and Its Area of Influence (AMUPROLAGO). This partnership brought together representatives from educational institutions, local governments, and rural development organizations, creating opportunities to exchange experiences and share practical knowledge applicable to different agricultural settings.

A participant wearing an AMUPROLAGO shirt attends a session of the Urban Agriculture and Hydroponics course in the classroom

Over 14 hours of hands-on and classroom instruction, participants explored the fundamentals of urban agriculture, productivity per unit of land area, hydroponic system design and management, plant nutrition, and nutrient solution preparation. Working in teams, they also designed, sized, and built small-scale hydroponic prototypes, putting their knowledge into practice through assembly exercises and operational testing.

Participants work as a team to assemble a hydroponic prototype with PVC pipes on a wooden frame

Located on the rooftop of the academic building of Zamorano University's Department of Environmental Sciences and Development, the Urban Agriculture Laboratory is designed to serve as a center for training, demonstration, and validation of agricultural technologies suited to urban environments and limited spaces. The facility will provide opportunities to explore production methods that make more efficient use of available space, water, and nutrients while supporting the transfer of innovative solutions for growing food in areas where land is limited.

An instructor explains how the hydroponic systems work to a group of participants on the laboratory rooftop

Through the opening of this laboratory and the delivery of specialized training, Zamorano University and IDB Lab, through AgroHub, reaffirm their commitment to strengthening technical expertise and advancing technological innovation across the agrifood sector. These efforts support the adoption of more efficient, resilient, and sustainable production systems, creating new opportunities for agricultural development throughout Central America.

Group of Salvadoran students in blue shirts with Zamorano University staff in front of the flags during the INCAF recognition event

Zamorano University Recognizes INCAF’s Support for Salvadoran Students

November 6, 2026

Zamorano University hosted a recognition event to honor El Salvador’s National Institute for Training and Education (INCAF) for its valuable support of higher education through a scholarship program that has benefited 20 Salvadoran students, providing them with opportunities to advance their academic and professional development.