Rigoberto Gauto, a reference of rural journalism, dies at 94

Rigoberto Gauto Benítez, a veteran Paraguayan journalist and a pioneering voice in agricultural communication, passed away at 94. For decades, Gauto dedicated himself to agricultural journalism, leaving an indelible mark on ABC Color's Rural Supplement. He brought crucial information on technology and innovation to thousands of small-scale farmers across Paraguay.

Born in Caacupé on June 19, 1932, Gauto's career was shaped by his early work with the National Service for Malaria Eradication (Senepa). His son, Raúl Gauto, recalled his father's vital role in communicating with rural communities, explaining the importance of fumigation processes to combat the disease. This often-unseen work was instrumental in Paraguay's historic achievement of eradicating malaria.

Gauto further honed his skills by studying rural communication and nutrition, disciplines that guided his journalistic path. In the 1970s and 1980s, he contributed to the agricultural program "TV Rural" on Canal 9, producing reports on farm production. Later, he hosted "Volviendo al Campo" on Radio Nacional del Paraguay, focusing on the needs of small producers.

His impactful work caught the attention of Aldo Zuccolillo, then director of ABC Color, who invited him to join the newspaper's staff. This marked the beginning of his significant tenure in the Rural Supplement, where he shared valuable knowledge on technologies and innovations for the farming sector. Gauto was also recognized for his ability to organize small rural producers, often lacking state technical support. He championed initiatives like goat farming through a producer cooperative and supported the creation of a red worm breeding association, while also organizing and training producers in the Arroyos y Esteros and Emboscada regions for market sales.