Ohio Northern University’s Business Program with KAMBIA in Panama
In 2025, students from Ohio Northern University led by Professor — participated in a virtual business consulting program with Kambia, proving that meaningful global engagement doesn’t always require crossing borders. Through this program, students partnered with APRADESFED, the Asociación de Productores y Acuicultores del Distrito de Santa Fe, Darién, to support the long-term sustainability of a community-led agricultural and aquaculture initiative in La Moneda, Darién, Panama.
Community-Driven Entrepreneurship
Founded in March 2021, APRADESFED is made up entirely of residents from the La Moneda community. The association brings together 12 members ranging in age from 24 to 64, all working collaboratively to produce food through tilapia farming, vegetable agriculture, and emerging aquaponics systems.
While each member manages their own vegetable plot, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, corn, beans, and cilantro, the group collectively owns and maintains two tilapia farming tubs. About half of their production supports household consumption, while the remainder is sold locally, creating both food security and income opportunities.
Identifying Challenges, Building Solutions
One of the association’s biggest challenges is the high cost of production, particularly electricity and fish feed. Electricity is essential to operate pumps that oxygenate the tilapia pools, a critical factor for healthy fish growth. Although APRADESFED received donated solar panels from Panama’s Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP), the system cannot yet be used because the batteries needed to store energy were not included.
This is where Ohio Northern University students stepped in.
Strategic Consulting from Afar
Working virtually, students conducted a comprehensive business analysis and developed a five-year strategic plan for APRADESFED. Their consulting work focused on both financial sustainability and organizational strengthening, including:
- Break-even analysis for fish and vegetable sales
- Cash flow management and budgeting tools
- Recommendations for diversifying income through aquaponics and fish reproduction
- Mapping current production processes
Students were guided by consultant Alexander Cobas, whose expertise and hands-on support were instrumental in shaping a realistic and community-centered plan.
A Virtual Program with an In-Person Finish
One of the most powerful moments of the program came at its conclusion. For the final meeting with the clients, Kambia staff traveled to La Moneda and the Ohio Northern University students and faculty live-streamed from their campus to present the final deliverables directly to the community. The presentation turned into a small, celebratory gathering where members of APRADESFED reviewed the strategies, shared feedback, and reflected on the work together.
Alexander Cobas also joined the gathering, sharing his enthusiasm and reinforcing the value of the collaboration. The moment served as a powerful reminder that virtual programs—when designed with intention and care—can foster real connection, trust, and impact.
Learning That Goes Beyond the Screen
This program demonstrated that distance is not a barrier to meaningful engagement. Through thoughtful collaboration, Ohio Northern University students were able to apply their business skills in a real-world context, while APRADESFED gained practical tools to strengthen their operations and plan for the future.
With Gratitude
Thank you to the consultant Alexander Cobas, the members of APRADESFED, the La Moneda community, the Kambia staff and Ohio Northern University consulting team Professor Jaime Franquesa, who made this program possible. Together, they showed that virtual learning can still create tangible, lasting impact, rooted in partnership, respect, and shared purpose.
Interested in creating real impact through global collaboration?
Learn more about Kambia’s virtual and in-country programs and discover how students can partner with communities around the world.