Hello, I’m Margarita Fontecha.
I'm an interdisciplinary PhD Candidate in Rural Studies at the University of Guelph (Canada). Vanier Scholar.
About me
Educational Background
With over ten years of experience in communications research and knowledge mobilization, I specialize in monitoring and evaluating development projects in complex, high-stakes environments—particularly in rural regions where licit and illicit economies intersect, such as Colombia.
My background includes managing international cooperation and private investment, as well as building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, local communities, and both public and private institutions.
I am skilled in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis and have a proven track record of designing effective knowledge mobilization strategies that empower stakeholders and inform decision-making processes.
University of Guelph. Ontario Agricultural College. PhD Candidate Rural Studies.
University of Florida. Liberal Arts. Gainesville, Florida. Masters in Sustainable Development Practice (2018).
University of Florida. Liberal Arts. Gainesville, Florida. Latin American studies certificate (2018).
University of Florida. Liberal Arts. Gainesville, Florida. Tropical and Conservation Development certificate (2018).
Del Rosario University. School of Human Sciences. Bogota, Colombia. Journalism and Public Opinion Professional with an emphasis on history. (2012).
Awards
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Awarded by the Goverment of Canada, 2022.
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Awarded by the University of Guelph, 2021.
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Awarded by Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. 2021.
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Awarded by the Universaity of Florida, 2018.
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Awarded by Colfuturo, 2016.
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Inter-American Development Bank – CAF, 2015.
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Awarded by Del Rosario University, 2011.
It is the highest distinction that a student of Del Rosario University can receive. The Collegiate is made up of fifteen active students of great academic merit, high moral qualities and excellent conduct.
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Item descriptionAwarded by Del Rosario University, 2011.
Current projects
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Braiding Food Systems (BFS)
The project aims to collaborate with First Nations communities, co-develop and re-localize seed systems in Northern Ontario for supporting food access and control – food security and food sovereignty. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to go from theory or concepts and words to “hands-on” or applied research – embedding research activities in community development. Together, the team and partners bring alternative ‘verbs’ to the traditional way of conducting research by connecting, listening, collaborating, reflecting, re-imagining and learning from First Nations communities to support and strengthen sustainable food systems.
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Supporting Rural Youth Leadership in Colombia’s Agriculture Sector
Description goesOver the course of eight months, 36 students from a rural school in Colombia participated in a photography project to reflect on their territory, the peculiarities of their municipality, and the dynamics that affect them. Through a critical lens, they showcase their challenges and opportunities that may enable or facilitate their inclusion in the territorial development agenda. This project was carried out to fulfill the thesis requirements in the doctoral studies of Margarita Fontecha, supervised by Professor Silvia Sarapura Escobar.
URL: https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/rural-youth-in-columbia/
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Sustainable BMP adoption in Ontario potato sector
This research project will use a mixed method approach (including a synthesis of the literature, jurisdictional scan, survey, farm visits, semi-structured interviews, and workshops) to identify and analyze user behavior changes related to BMPs in the Ontario potato sector. Findings will be thematically analyzed to identify a ‘typology of main drivers’ to behavior change decision-making related to BMPs. Relationships and interdependencies among drivers will be explored.
