Date of Award

6-18-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2025

Department

Computer Science and Engineering

First Advisor

Angela Musurlian

Abstract

We developed a mobile application that preserves Yucatán’s agricultural heritage and supports local farmers, while addressing the urgent need for the technology-driven integration of Mayan agricultural knowledge, specifically the Milpa system, into an accessible mobile platform. Our objective was to create an intuitive, culturally appropriate, and low-technology resource to support farmers in making informed, sustainable agricultural decisions, regardless of their internet connection. We saw this as critical for enhancing agricultural practices in Yucatán and beyond. We accomplished this by creating a trilingual (Spanish, English, and Yucatec Maya) mobile app with features such as agrarian cycle information, mapping and location services, reported events, and a community page that incorporates local knowledge using a traditional lunar calendar (with regional and relevant weather history) and is compatible with low-spec devices. Additionally, this project underwent continuous iteration throughout the design process, facilitated by consistent collaboration with Dr. Iván Batún from Universidad de Oriente. Ultimately, the app had features that addressed the community’s actual needs. Although formal testing has not been undertaken to date, the project presents a promising and technologically driven avenue for engaging with and valuing inter-generational knowledge and practices, supporting livelihoods, and advancing cultural preservation. In addition to integrating structures to verify capacity for long-term maintenance and scale for a wider footprint, we plan to pilot and scale the app in Yucatan’s local communities while further developing community features and integrating partnerships with agriculture research communities.

Download

Share

COinS