Emmanuel Zapata-Caldas

As a postdoctoral researcher at the Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT, Emmanuel Zapata-Caldas supports small- and mid-sized farmers in strengthening their capacity to address challenges such as food insecurity and climate change. His work focuses on human-centered design in agricultural contexts. He works from the premise that effective climate adaptation and digital agriculture must begin with people's realities rather than technology.

Based on user research, Emmanuel develops climate information products and digital tools, such as agroclimatic community bulletins and early-warning systems that integrate hydro-agroclimatic and nutritional information. His goal is to ensure that these tools reflect how farming communities live, make decisions, and work.

He integrates this human-centered digital approach with his broader interest in sustainable food systems, including the transition toward agroecological systems and the valuation and mapping of ecosystem services. Much of this work takes place across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Emmanuel is committed to the common good and believes in the power of open and respectful consultation to achieve a shared vision. He believes that teamwork, accompanied by a humble attitude of learning, is one of the most powerful tools for success in any endeavor.