By Blake Jackson
A Kentucky State University student is exploring whether ancient farming techniques from Peru could help address modern agricultural challenges in Eastern Kentucky.
Sienna Stewart, an Agriculture, Food, and Environment major and USDA NextGen scholar, has been selected for the prestigious 2026 KentuckyView Undergraduate Fellowship.
Stewart research project, titled “Adapting Kentucky Agriculture: Learning from Peruvian Terracing to Combat Climate Change and Boost Farmer Income,” examines the potential for bench terrace farming in Martin County, Kentucky.
Using ArcGIS Pro and geospatial analysis, Stewart evaluated factors such as elevation, slope, rainfall, drainage patterns, land use, road accessibility, and terrain characteristics to identify suitable locations for terracing.
The project was inspired by Kentucky State University’s USDA NextGen experiential learning program in Peru, where Stewart joined 10 other students on an 11-day educational trip in December 2025.
During the visit, students studied agriculture, sustainability, food systems, and climate adaptation in several regions, including Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.
A key influence on Stewart’s work was observing centuries-old terraced landscapes at sites such as Machu Picchu and Moray. These systems demonstrated how farmers successfully manage water, soil, and steep terrain to maintain productive agriculture.
“Seeing terrace farming in Peru changed the way I think about agriculture in mountainous regions,” Stewart said.
“The Andes showed me how farmers can use the land’s natural shape to manage water, protect soil, and support food production. When I returned to Kentucky, I wanted to explore whether those same principles could help farmers in Eastern Kentucky adapt to drought, flooding, and erosion.”
Stewart findings identified three highly suitable areas totaling roughly 69 to 71 square kilometers each, with nearly 35% of Martin County meeting the study’s criteria.
“Sienna’s work is an excellent example of what we hope international experiential learning will produce,” said Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, professor of geospatial applications, human dimensions, and climate studies.
“She connected what she observed in Peru with a real challenge facing Kentucky communities, then used geospatial science to ask where solutions might be possible. We are very proud of her.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General