A major project aimed at transforming agri-food systems is underway in Colombia, with a vision to reshape the country’s agricultural sector into one that is both sustainable and resilient. The project, known as Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia, brings together a coalition of key stakeholders, including CGIAR research centers like CIMMYT and the Colombian Bioversity-CIAT Alliance, to address the pressing environmental and production challenges facing the agricultural landscape of the country. The initiative’s overarching goal is to foster agricultural resilience and sustainability while ensuring food security for present and future generations.
At the heart of Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia is the commitment to improve the competitiveness of Colombian farmers, who are grappling with a range of challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. These challenges are compounded by the need to produce sufficient food for a growing population, all while minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing the social dimensions of agriculture. By focusing on innovation, climate-smart agricultural practices, and the development of inclusive value chains, the project seeks to transform Colombia’s agricultural system and provide lasting solutions to these interconnected challenges.
One of the project’s key objectives is to enhance the resilience of agriculture to climate change. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, Colombia’s agricultural sector has been experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. These events disrupt production cycles, harm crop yields, and exacerbate food insecurity. To mitigate these risks, the project incorporates cutting-edge research into drought-tolerant crops, sustainable farming practices, and technologies that promote water and soil conservation. In this context, CIMMYT plays a pivotal role by contributing its expertise in maize and wheat breeding, helping farmers to adopt biofortified and climate-resilient crop varieties.
In addition to focusing on production, the Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia project also places emphasis on the broader agri-food system, including value chains, food processing, and distribution. By improving the efficiency and inclusivity of these systems, the project aims to reduce food waste, increase access to nutritious food, and enhance the profitability of farming for smallholder farmers. This is particularly important in Colombia, where rural communities often face barriers to accessing markets and fair prices for their products. By building stronger links between producers, processors, and consumers, the project fosters a more integrated food system that benefits all stakeholders.
A core element of the project’s success is its commitment to inclusivity. Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia seeks to involve marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and indigenous communities in decision-making processes and technology adoption. Women and young people, in particular, often face barriers to land access, training, and participation in agricultural decision-making. By prioritizing gender equality and youth engagement, the project not only strengthens the social fabric of rural communities but also empowers these groups to take an active role in shaping the future of agriculture. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of agricultural transformation are shared equitably across society.
Through its focus on knowledge transfer and community participation, the project fosters a learning environment where local farmers can share experiences and gain access to new technologies and practices. Extension services, training programs, and community-based organizations are integral to this process, helping farmers build the capacity to adapt to new challenges and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by sustainable agriculture. By equipping farmers with the tools they need to succeed, the project enhances the long-term sustainability of Colombia’s agricultural systems.
The collaboration between international research centers like CIMMYT and Bioversity-CIAT and local partners in Colombia underscores the importance of science and innovation in addressing complex agricultural challenges. These partnerships bring together world-class research expertise with local knowledge, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the unique needs and conditions of Colombian farmers. The project also promotes an integrated approach to agricultural development, which recognizes that the future of food systems depends not only on the adoption of new technologies but also on the active participation of communities and stakeholders at all levels.
Ultimately, Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia aims to create a model for sustainable agriculture that can be replicated in other regions of the world. By focusing on the intersection of environmental sustainability, economic development, and social inclusion, the project offers a comprehensive strategy for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action, life on earth, and reducing inequalities. The project’s success will be a testament to the power of collaboration, science, and innovation in building a resilient and sustainable agri-food system for the future.
