Investigaciones ZamoCiencia

Migration in Central America is an increasingly visible phenomenon, yet it is still not well understood from the perspective of people in transit. Beyond the numbers, each decision to migrate responds to a combination of personal, economic, and social factors that intertwine in contexts of uncertainty. Understanding these motivations is key to designing more effective and humane social responses to this regional challenge.

Eating habits developed during youth have a lasting impact on health. Today, the consumption of ultra-processed foods—such as snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food—has increased significantly, displacing more nutritious options and contributing to the development of chronic diseases from an early age.

Nutrition during breastfeeding plays a fundamental role in the health of both mother and baby. However, in many contexts, the intake of key nutrients—such as essential fatty acids—is limited, which can affect the quality of breast milk and the well-being of mothers and children. This has sparked interest in developing food alternatives that are nutritious, accessible, and culturally accepted.

Nutrition during childhood is crucial for growth, learning, and long-term health. In rural contexts, eating habits are influenced by economic, cultural, and food availability factors. Understanding what schoolchildren eat and how their diets are structured makes it possible to identify opportunities to improve nutrition from the early stages of human development.

Finding sustainable protein sources has become a priority in a world where food demand continues to grow. Insects, traditionally consumed in various cultures, are gaining attention as a nutritious and low-environmental-impact alternative. Their production requires less water, land, and feed compared to conventional livestock, positioning them as a promising option for the future of food.

Common bean is an essential crop for food security in many regions of the world, but its production is constantly threatened by diseases such as angular leaf spot, caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora griseola. This pathogen is highly variable and has evolved alongside its host plant, the common bean, which makes its control and the development of resistant varieties more difficult. Understanding its genetic diversity is key to strengthening agricultural production.

In tropical ecosystems, many species play key roles that we still do not fully understand. This is the case for some beetles, whose immature stages—larvae and pupae—have been little studied despite their ecological importance. Understanding their biology not only expands scientific knowledge, but also reveals connections with local practices and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Given that production costs and input availability are increasingly affecting the poultry industry, there is a clear need to explore innovative and sustainable alternatives for animal feed. One of these options is the use of Hermetia illucens larval meal (black soldier fly), a highly nutritious ingredient that could partially replace traditional feed sources such as soybean and corn.

The coffee market is evolving rapidly, driven by new consumption trends and innovative products such as cold brew, a ready-to-drink beverage that has gained popularity for its smooth flavor and convenience. In this context, Eng. María Celeste Ortez, a graduate of the Agribusiness Engineering program, together with faculty members Martin Leal, M.Sc., Marvin Cálix, E.M.A., and Eng. Carlos Varela, conducted a study focused on analyzing the market potential of a Honduran cold brew coffee in Tegucigalpa by combining traditional tools and emerging technologies.

In international markets, not all coffees are valued equally. Some achieve extraordinary prices at specialized auctions, while others are marketed as standard products. Understanding the factors that determine this value is key for producers, exporters, and consumers. In this context, Eng. Leopoldo Dimas, a graduate of the Agribusiness program at Zamorano, together with Marvin Cálix, E.M.A., Zamorano faculty member, and Dr. Luis Sandoval from Texas Tech University, conducted a study to analyze how specialty coffee prices are structured in Central America.

In a world where information is a key tool for decision-making, data analysis is transforming the way agricultural markets are understood. Eng. David Torres, a graduate of the Agribusiness Engineering program, under the supervision of Marvin Cálix, E.M.A., and Martin Leal, M.Sc., conducted a study focused on implementing business intelligence tools to analyze the behavior of agricultural products (commodities) in the United States market.