Sowing peace one agribusiness at a time: Colombian farmers reclaim their land and livelihoods

The sun beats down on the fertile fields of Bolívar, Colombia, where lush green valleys stretch towards the distant Andes mountains. It’s a picture of idyllic rural life, but beneath the surface lies a complex and painful past. For decades, this region was ravaged by armed conflict, leaving communities shattered and livelihoods destroyed.

Saray Zúñiga, a proud Palenquera woman, knows the cost of conflict all too well. Palenqueras are women from the San Basilio de Palenque communities, descendants of African slaves who fought for their freedom and established a unique cultural haven. They are known for their vibrant attire and their tradition of selling fruit, preserving a rich heritage that is recognized by UNESCO.

“I was displaced five times; my children grew up in displacement,” she says, her voice heavy with the weight of memory. “We in Palenque never thought this could happen, that there would be massacres and rapes. We were persecuted, and many of my friends at the time are not alive today.”

Saray’s story is echoed by countless others in Bolívar. Farmers were forced from their homes, their fields trampled, their harvests stolen. The once-thriving agricultural communities were reduced to ghost towns, their inhabitants scattered across the country.

At the Toro Sonrisa Artisanal Shop victims of displacement like Saray Zuñiga are rebuilding their livelihoods

But in 2016, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the FARC rebel group, marking the end of over 50 years of conflict. As part of the deal, the government committed to enhancing rural development and partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to help implement this goal.

A key turning point was the implementation of the FAO-Sweden joint project, Territorial Transformation, Resilience and Sustainability. This initiative focused on improving rural livelihoods by strengthening agricultural production, promoting sustainable land use, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It also empowered women through skill development and leadership opportunities.

With FAO’s support, farmers like Saray began the long and arduous process of rebuilding their lives. They reclaimed their land, re-established their farms, and formed cooperatives to gain better access to markets. It wasn’t easy. The scars of conflict ran deep, and trust was hard to come by. But slowly, with patience and perseverance, the communities began to heal.

Saray Zuñiga is a proud ‘Palenquera’ from the community of San Basilio de Palenque.

Today, Bolívar is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Farmers are not only growing crops but also cultivating peace. They’re working together to protect the environment, promote sustainable agriculture, and build a brighter future for their children.

Saray, once a victim of conflict, is now a beacon of hope. She stands proudly in the Toro Sonrisa Ecological and Artisanal shop & restaurant, a bustling hub of activity where farmers sell their produce and traditional Palenque sweets. “This is happiness,” she says, her eyes sparkling with joy. “We have recovered our tranquility.”

But the journey towards lasting peace and prosperity is far from over. The farmers of Bolívar, with their resilience and determination, are writing a new chapter in their history.

Discover the full extent of the Bolivar community’s inspiring journey and the transformative power of agriculture on the FAO website.

International Day of Peace is celebrated every year on 21 September