Traditionally, agave has been cultivated for mezcal production, which is the primary productive activity and source of economic income. However, to achieve this, staggered planting of agave is required each year since the plant matures in approximately seven years, making it unprofitable in the short term. The foundation supports producers by providing agave seedlings, offering advice and training on the agroecological management of the crop, pest control practices using pheromone traps, preparation of mineral broths for disease control, and field tours to timely detect pests and diseases.
Workshops, training sessions, and field tours have been conducted to show that quality production does not require the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, which harm the environment and the health of users. Additionally, these chemicals need to be sourced from cities like Oaxaca or Tehuantepec, which are over 6 and 4 hours away, respectively. Theoretical and practical workshops are held to prepare mineral broths for disease control, use various regional plants as repellents and insecticides for pest control and prevention, produce organic fertilizers like bocashi, and employ natural animal fertilizers for better plant and fruit tree nutrition.
This project is currently being developed in the communities of Santo Tomas Teipan and San Juan Acaltepec in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca. To date, 4,773 fruit trees of various species (avocado, apple, pear, plum, peach, hawthorn, blackberry, and raspberry) have been distributed. This project has benefited 42 producers and includes agroecological training on tree planting using level curve techniques, organic fertilization, pest and disease management with homemade preparations, and effective monitoring and support for established orchards.
This project is carried out in the indigenous communities of San Miguel Suchiltepec, Santo Tomas Teipan, San José Quianitas, San Juan Acaltepec, and San Andrés Tlahuilotepec in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca. The goal is to provide a nutrient-rich and vitamin-rich food source throughout the year. The foundation has a demonstration plot where guided tours are offered to those interested in starting this activity. Training is provided on the construction of raised beds using the bio-intensive method, vegetable planting (using seedlings produced by the foundation's garden), nursery establishment and care, organic fertilizer preparation, natural pest and disease management, and vegetable preparation for consumption.
Through the Social Welfare area, a dual-purpose poultry management project is developed for egg and meat production. This activity aims to improve family diets, as poultry meat and eggs are excellent sources of nutrition, especially for children, and the surplus can be sold locally. Beneficiaries receive 30 chicks, training, and advice on building chicken coops and managing diseases and feeding using agroecological methods.
General consultations and the provision of required medications are offered free of charge in 10 indigenous communities in the municipalities of San Carlos Yautepec, Santa María Ecatepec, and Santa María Quiegolani. Actions include weight and height assessment campaigns for children under 12 to address malnutrition by providing prescribed nutritional supplements. Additionally, biannual deworming campaigns and detection campaigns for chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and triglycerides) are conducted to prevent, treat, and control these conditions. The aim is to promote healthy living habits to prevent such diseases and reduce the risk of complications.
General dental consultations are provided to residents of 10 communities in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca. Services include dental cleanings, extractions, amalgam and resin fillings, root canals, and minor dental surgeries. Additionally, talks on common dental diseases in the communities and fluoride application campaigns for children, along with brushing technique workshops, are held. The primary goal is to prevent and promote healthy lifestyles by instructing residents on good dental hygiene and dietary habits to reduce cavities and other oral diseases.
In response to the current health, economic, and social crisis caused by the coronavirus, indigenous communities are the most affected, increasing their vulnerability due to food shortages. The Don Antonio Rivera Venegas Foundation, through its Community Assistance program, has supported 7 communities (San Miguel Suchiltepec, San Lucas Ixcotepec, San Juan Acaltepec, Santo Tomas Teipan, Santo Domingo Chontecomatlán, San Andrés Tlahuilotepec, and San José Quianitas) in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca with food packages, blankets, clothing, and toys to mitigate the pandemic's impact and ensure family well-being.
Fuel-efficient stoves in the community of San Miguel Suchiltepec help reduce indoor smoke, lowering respiratory illnesses caused by carbon monoxide inhalation and significantly reducing wood use. Another promoted alternative technology is the construction of ferrocement cisterns for rainwater harvesting to store water needed for irrigating fruit tree orchards. The "Artisanal Bread Making" project required building a wood-fired bread oven. The foundation built an enveloping fire oven, which, unlike traditional ovens, retains heat longer and reduces fuel consumption.
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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, indigenous communities faced increased vulnerability from income and food shortages, as their primary income source was selling products and crafts in markets and the city of Oaxaca. In mid-2021, the Don Antonio Rivera Foundation established a community dining facility near the 20 de Noviembre market in Oaxaca City to provide balanced meals to affected communities. The program offers a nutritious and balanced menu, including soup, main dish, dessert, and fresh fruit water. Currently, around 100 people are served daily. The foundation aims to buy local products such as cheese, chocolate, and crafts from the same communities. Additionally, a general practitioner offers primary medical care to diners within the dining facility.
In the summer of 2021, the Don Antonio Rivera Venegas Foundation inaugurated a boxing and mixed martial arts gym in Tlacolula de Matamoros within the municipality's sports complex. The goal is to bring sports activities closer to local youth and surrounding communities. The 732 m² sports complex is equipped with everything necessary to train and develop amateur talents and future fighters aspiring to compete at state, national, and international levels, representing Oaxaca and the country. Youths and the general public interested in practicing boxing and mixed martial arts can freely use the area, which includes punching bags, speed bags, an Olympic ring, and professional octagon, free of charge. The foundation prioritizes supporting new generations, and the gym, unique in Oaxaca, benefits 150 youths monthly, promoting sports activities to offer children and young people alternative paths that can create positive changes in their lives and communities.
To complement the dental consultations provided to populations in the Sierra Sur, the dental team organizes talks and workshops to guide children, youth, and adults on proper dental care and brushing techniques.
In the communities of the Sierra Sur Chontal Alta Zapoteca, medical and dental consultation services are provided to the region's populations. Actively operating in the San Andrés Tlahuilotepec agency, two community-provided spaces were adapted and equipped with necessary tools to offer more immediate and free services to local residents.
Besides providing health services, the DARV Foundation team offers agroecological advice, organizing workshops and field practices on soil management and care, fruit cultivation and production, and pest control.
