As a result of years of collaboration between rural communities, indigenous peoples, Afro-Colombian groups and social and scientific actors, Colombia has adopted the first national policy on agroecology. With this policy, the government officially defines how agroecological approaches are to be promoted and implemented. The move comes as Colombia hosts COP16, the United Nations conference on biodiversity. This represents a major step forward for food sovereignty and climate protection in Colombia. It also sends a strong signal in favor of local, peasant and community-based agriculture.
SWISSAID alongside the government
SWISSAID supported this process alongside the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture. Together, they are defending the needs of rural areas and promoting sustainable development strategies. Agroecology makes these objectives easier.
Rather than relying on chemical fertilizers and intensive exploitation of resources, this method promotes diversified cropping systems, based on community management and the inclusion of women and young people. Traditional knowledge is preserved and used in the regions to meet the challenges of climate change and food security.
Partnerships and networks
The new commitments provide institutional support in the field of agroecology and enables the creation of international partnerships. In this way, Colombia can learn from positive experiences and contribute its own successes. Farm families and seed networks now have the support they need to implement sustainable practices.
Agroecology is feminist
Agroecology is not just an agricultural method, but also a political movement that promotes social and economic justice. As the manifesto of the first Popular, Political and Scientific Congress for Agroecology points out: “Agroecology is feminist, because there can be no environmental justice without gender equality.”
