MEET
Ivannia Gamboa Arias
From quiet dreams to a thriving garden, Ivannia is cultivating food, income, and confidence.
Her journey
In the rolling hills of Pérez Zeledón, Ivannia Gamboa Arias has always been deeply rooted in her home and family. Alongside supporting her husband in coffee production, she has nurtured a quiet but persistent dream: to cultivate her own garden, producing healthy food for her family and her community. With the Farmer School, that dream became a reality.
Through seed capital support, Ivannia created a thriving vegetable garden, now home to a variety of crops including lettuce, celery, cilantro, and tomatoes. Beyond supplying her family, her produce has begun to reach her local community, generating extra income and creating space for reinvestment in her coffee farm. Her garden has become more than a livelihood—it is a source of pride, confidence, and hope.
Before joining the program, Ivannia faced the uncertainties of coffee production without sufficient technical knowledge. She lacked information on crop cycles, pest management, and the longevity of coffee plants. Like many women in her community, she had the drive to grow but needed guidance and confidence to realize her goals.
“The program didn’t just give me knowledge—it gave me the courage to believe in myself and in what I can achieve. Now I know I can provide for my family and contribute to my community.”
A Journey of Growth
Ivannia participated in the 2024 Farmer School training, including field visits to La Palmira in Pérez Zeledón and the National Producers Camp in La Zona de Los Santos. At the end of the program, she applied for seed capital, winning support to develop her garden project.
The program taught her essential skills in both coffee cultivation and small-scale entrepreneurship. Ivannia learned about pruning cycles, fertilization, and plant longevity, as well as financial management for her home and project. Most importantly, she gained confidence in her ability to lead a project, manage resources, and save for future growth.
“The program didn’t just give me knowledge—it gave me the courage to believe in myself and in what I can achieve. Now I know I can provide for my family and contribute to my community.”
Key Learnings
Coffee cultivation: pruning, fertilization, and plant longevity
Sustainable garden management and crop diversification
Financial literacy: budgeting, saving, and reinvesting
Confidence, self-belief, and project ownership
About Ivannnia’s Project
NAME OF THE PROJECT
Vivero Oasis de Montaña
REGION / COUNTRY
Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
SEED FUND FROM BV
$450 USD
PROJECT TYPE
Home Gardens
The Transformation
Ivannia’s garden has quickly become a success. Early sales of her vegetables have generated income that she is reinvesting to expand her project. Beyond numbers, the true transformation is personal: Ivannia feels empowered, capable, and proud of her achievements. Her project is a tangible expression of her vision, bringing nutritious food to her family and neighbors while affirming her role as an entrepreneur in her community.
“Winning seed capital was a turning point for me. It motivated me to pursue my dream, trust myself, and realize that I am capable of achieving much more than I imagined.”
Looking Ahead
Ivannia dreams of growing her coffee production through improved practices and expanding her garden to offer an even greater variety of fresh, healthy products. She also hopes to continue participating in Bean Voyage, learning and growing both personally and professionally, while contributing to the thriving network of women smallholder farmers.