Economic prosperity with discordant tones
Breathtaking scenery between the Pacific Ocean, the Andes and the Caribbean, cultural attractions, vibrant major cities: Colombia casts its spell over more and more tourists every year. For a good ten years now, the country has had one of South America’s most dynamic economies. But not everyone experiences the bright side of this development. SWISSAID focuses on those people who don’t profit from the economic upturn.
Hand in hand with those affected
Since 1974, the South American republic has been included in SWISSAID’s portfolio of countries. At first, the projects were restricted to the Caribbean coast, with the Pacific region and the coffee-growing region in the departments of Risaralda, Caldas and Quindíoas as later additions. SWISSAID works directly in all three project areas with a number of very small partner organisations and associations of those people who are affected.
Enough to eat is top priority
Food security is the highest priority when working together with the farmers’ families, the indigenous population and descendants of African immigrants. Thanks to courses run by SWISSAID in ecological and sustainable agriculture methods, the farmers are gentle with the soil, improve the fertility of the fields and boost their harvest.
In the money
The bigger harvest means more for the farmers than full plates. The sale of the surplus harvest allows them to earn a bit of money at the market and to pay for health care expenses for example or for transport and clothing. Little things that make large improvements to the quality of life.
My soil, my livelihood, my right
What we take for granted is a hard fought achievement for many impoverished small farmers: often they have no state authorised control over their plot of land and soil that in some cases they have cultivated for generations. Mega projects of international enterprises as well as the arbitrary power of the authorities threaten their livelihood. SWISSAID supports the village communities in the fight for land titles, rights of use and access to drinking water.
Raising a voice together
Missing land rights, pressure from the big agricultural multinationals and in many places a climate of latent violence: SWISSAID supports the association of farmers who campaign together for food security and GM-free agriculture. Only those who raise their voice can be heard.
Not equal – but equal rights
Men and women should have equal rights and obligations. SWISSAID is dedicated in each individual project to ensuring that men and women make joint decisions especially in Colombia’s traditionally macho culture and that nobody is excluded from decisions in the household, on the farm and in the village community. Special support is also offered to young people. As landless young adults, they often find themselves in particularly difficult situations. Micro loans for education, land or to set up a small business provide them with future prospects.
