INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURE TRAINING ON LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE IN GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Proposed by: Linda Seals
Presenter: Seals, L. , Extension Agent Ii, University of Florida/IFAS, Brevard County, Palm Bay, Florida 32909, Palm Bay, FL 32909
INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURE TRAINING ON LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
IN GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Bolques, A.1, Seals,* L.M.2, Vergot, P.3, and Bowen, W.4
1. Extension Agent, Florida A&M University, Gadsden County Extension, Quincy, Florida 32351
2. Extension Agent, University of Florida/IFAS, Brevard County, Cocoa, Florida 32926
3. Northwest District Extension Director, University of Florida/IFAS, Quincy, Florida 32351
4. Director, University of Florida/IFAS International Programs, Gainesville, Florida 32611
Guayaquil is the largest most populous city in Ecuador. City renovations such as expansions of levees, squares, parks, and some districts have turned Guayaquil into a national and international tourist destination. The expansion of green spaces has produced an appetite for new and exotic plant materials, which has created a shortage of trained landscape personnel. Horticultural research and educational training programs are very limited resulting in fewer opportunities for quality landscape training for landscapers and homeowners. Quality training, especially for landscapers, is critical to the economic viability of the horticulture industry. To this end, a two week training program was developed for commercial landscape and nursery workers and for homeowners. A team of two Extension Agents conducted a two week landscape maintenance short course for commercial and homeowner groups. The first week of training targeted the commercial group, n=45, while the second week included the homeowners, n=40. At the end of the programs, at least 30% (n=27) of the participants indicated a better understanding of water issues. As is typical in Latin America, machete pruning was the main method for trimming trees and shrubs. A large part of the hands-on training was devoted to pruning techniques. These hands-on sessions provided an excellent opportunity to emphasize learned techniques and an opportunity to provide additional information that they could use in the trade. End of program survey showed that at least 90% (81) of the participants increased their knowledge and gained new skills for the green industry.