Olga Vargas, a farmer who grows guavas and raises tilapia in southern Costa Rica, has been named among 100 women recognized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization for their contributions to food production and rural communities. Vargas lives in Ujarrás de Buenos Aires, Puntarenas. Her recognition highlights work that combines family farming, water conservation and teaching other growers how to make better use of their land and resources.
The FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development initiative marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. It recognizes women working across agriculture and food production, including those protecting natural resources and creating opportunities in rural areas.
The organization received 609 nominations from 131 of its members before selecting the final group. Vargas appears on its official list representing Costa Rica. On her farm, water has been central to keeping production going. Vargas has protected a spring for more than 20 years, and its water supports her household, fruit trees and tilapia production.
She also took part in a project run by the FAO and UNICEF that helped improve her irrigation equipment and install a system to recirculate water used for the fish. The assistance reduced her dependence on rainfall and supported the growth of her farm. A United Nations profile published in June described how a reservoir allows Vargas to store water overnight and irrigate her guava trees in the morning and afternoon. With a more dependable supply, she can grow the fruit throughout the year, including during the dry season.
The improvements came as farmers in her community dealt with higher temperatures, irregular rainfall and more pests. The project paired equipment with training, helping growers manage their soil and water more effectively. Vargas has shared what she learned by opening her farm for practical workshops. Other farmers can see the methods at work and learn about caring for soil and producing food while using fewer resources.
The support came through a joint FAO and UNICEF project financed by the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund. Costa Rica’s agriculture and health ministries and the local governments of Buenos Aires and Guatuso also participated. In remarks accompanying the recognition, Vargas said the honor also belonged to other rural women who rise early to grow food for their communities. She emphasized the importance of family farming and the women whose daily work keeps it going.
