Vanilla farming in Colombia: one spice, many opportunities

It is early in the day, and Adi Mercado is already out and about. Surefootedly, she makes her way through the forest of El Bagre in Colombia’s San Lucas Mountains. Warm light filters through the leaves, shining on liana-like plants that wind their way around the trees. These vines are vanilla plants, which the farmer has come to check upon. They are still too young to bear fruit. Locally, however, they have already become a beacon of hope for a sweeter, more sustainable future.

The forest where Adi Mercado and other women grow vanilla is dense and green. But this is not the case for the entire San Lucas mountain range. Environmental problems are taking their toll on the region. The area is originally known as a biodiversity hotspot – but is now increasingly characterised by deforestation and illegal mining.

Most of the population relies on the gold mines to earn a living. But this cannot go on forever: the land already bears the scars from mining activities – such as polluted water sources and barren soils. Many families, however, grow vegetables and fruits on the land for their own consumption. Since the ecosystem began to degrade, more and more people are suffering from hunger. 47% of all households in El Bagre are struggling with food insecurity.

In El Bagre, it becomes woefully clear: people can only thrive when nature thrives. But how can they better reconcile their economic needs with environmental protection and sustainability? Together with SWISSAID and the local organisation ‘Tropico Diverso’, the community has begun to conserve 240 hectares of forest areas at risk and restore degraded stretches of land.

Parts of the new, young forest areas are now reserved for agroecological plots where families are allowed to grow vegetables and fruits. Training sessions offer them opportunities to learn more about agroecological, sustainable farming methods, how to grow traditional seeds, and how to produce their own organic fertiliser. Ever since, the farmer Nazli Mesa has successfully grown beans, chillies, and oregano in her garden. ‘Now, we can eat a healthier diet and are in a better financial position,’ she says, satisfied.

However, sustainable economic development requires more than just vegetable gardens. Enter the vanilla plant: the orchid species only needs existing trees for support as it grows and causes no damage to the forest. This approach, in which native crops are integrated into forest areas, is known as agroforestry. When implemented correctly, it can decrease deforestation, regenerate depleted soils and create important sources of food and income.

Vanilla cultivation is particularly promising: as one of the world’s most expensive species, it can sell for several hundreds of Swiss francs per kilogram, depending on the market situation. Vanilla from Madagascar dominates the world market, but the demand for new sources is rising. Even though the first vanilla pods only appear after three to four years, the people of El Bagre are lucky: with two native varieties, they are well equipped for the future.

And in the meantime? The farmers work together to produce forest honey and grow agroforestry products such as cocoa and fruit. They are careful to select crops that contribute to biodiversity, protect the forest and offer new economic opportunities.

Vanilla farming is fuelling dreams of the future for Nazli Mesa. ‘One day I’d like to have a small market where I can sell vegetables and vanilla-flavoured drinks.’

The new job opportunities alternative to mining are also changing life in the community. Courses and community spaces are designed to strengthen local cohesion. Young adults are now better integrated economically: they run tree nurseries, sell their seedlings, and learn to produce their own promotional materials.

The biggest change, however, is seen in the gender dynamics. Although women contribute a lot to their communities, they are not allowed to take part in decision-making processes in forestry committees or local governments. This is now set to change: in workshops, they improve their knowledge about their social, economic, and political rights – while their husbands learn how they can take on shared responsibility for family life.

Adi Mercado has finished inspecting her vanilla plants. Satisfied, she takes one last look at the lush greenery. The women’s group she belongs to owns 30 vanilla plants. Many people were at first sceptical about their venture. ‘But when we hear things like that, we spur each other on, saying that we will succeed after all. We must not let ourselves be deterred,’ she says.

The determination of her community is inspiring. El Bagre show what is possible when we take care of both nature and humans: the land is recovering and growing – and with it, the solidarity, drive and future prospects of the people.