Food security for rural women: Work experiences with AGROSAVIA

Pasto, Nariño. June 6, 2024. On May 23, the project's closing event, "Promotion of food and nutritional security of families led by rural women in the Corregimiento of Obonuco, Department of Nariño," was held. The event took place at the Obonuco Research Center of AGROSAVIA and was attended by community members.

The purpose of this session was to close the project mentioned above, in addition to learning about the experiences and perspectives of the community, identifying the obstacles encountered during the process, and potential solutions. During this event, the main results obtained were also announced, such as the implementation of two agroecological systems in the veredas (small suburban districts) of San Felipe and Playa Alta of the Corregimiento of Obonuco, the implementation of two agricultural structures in small spaces, three peasant markets, two presentations at national and international conferences in addition to the upcoming publication of a scientific article derived from the project. Likewise, the strategic alliances that were obtained during the execution of this proposal with CARE, the Municipal Agriculture Secretariat, FAO, SENA, and Pasto's Chamber of Commerce were highlighted; this undoubtedly leaves the doors open for future initiatives.

Regarding the social impact, the project directly benefited 44 women and indirectly 56 people, who benefited through capacity-building processes and delivery of inputs.

Pedro Pablo Bacca, Lead Researcher of the project, indicated that "…this opportunity allowed us to show the capacity of AGROSAVIA in the Corregimiento of Obonuco, where the Research Center is located, since after many years, it resumes its research activities and the strengthening of its capacities, allowing us to know the most relevant problems of the sector, in addition to improving social relations with the indigenous cabildos (councils) and the community adjacent to the Corporation. This project allowed us to promote food security with a gender approach and show the importance of the participation of women producers in these processes, classifying them as conservers of biodiversity, promoters of family unity, and savers and guardians of seeds for food sovereignty..."

The event was held thanks to the collaborative work between the Obonuco Research Center of AGROSAVIA and Fundación WWB Colombia through the project "Strengthening the food and nutritional security of families led by rural women in the Corregimiento of Obonuco in Pasto - Nariño." This effort allowed the implementation of sustainable practices and strengthened the organizational and productive capacity of the community.