In January 2021, a social responsibility project was launched in Cali, Colombia, aimed at strengthening local food systems to counter the negative impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on vulnerable families. The project, offered by the Créalo Foundation, aimed to establish small vegetable gardens and community initiatives to support families in communes 18 and 20 of Cali.

Over the course of the year, the project made significant progress toward achieving its goals. In this blog post, we report on the main activities carried out, lessons learned, and projections for 2023.

Beautification Day in Tierra Blanca neighborhood with families

1.Promoting Productive Community Initiatives

The project's first objective was to promote and support 40 new and 125 existing community initiatives. To achieve this, six activities were implemented, including family identification, follow-up, delivery of supplies, establishment of gardens, group formation, and implementation of initiatives. 83 families began or continued their initiatives, with follow-up via a digital visit report. 34 families received supplies and 2 groups started training on agriculture, health and nutrition topics.

vegetable gardens in Tierra Blanca neighborhood, Cauca

2.Designing Theoretical-Practical Workshops

The second objective of the project was to design and implement three theoretical-practical workshops for the community on leadership, health, and organic fertilizer. The project team designed the workshops in collaboration with the Redes Alimentarias Solidarias team and offered them to a total of 83 participants. A training cycle on germination and plant care was also conducted with 16 mothers and 192 children from the community.

Training on vegetable gardens for parents of daycare centers

3.Strengthening Systematization of Experiences

The third objective of the project was to strengthen the systematization of experiences by incorporating audiovisual content in coordination with the Créalo Foundation. A semi-professional camera was purchased, and interviews were conducted with participants. The audiovisual content was planned to be distributed through FUNDAEC's Instagram account.

4.Strengthening Neighborhood Development Fund

The fourth objective of the project was to strengthen the Neighborhood Development Fund in communes 18 and 20. This objective was not achieved in 2022 due to the focus on training to strengthen community outreach.

Families of the Tierra Blanca neighborhood training on vegetable gardens

5.Promoting Associated Agricultural Crops

The project's fifth and final objective for 2022 was to promote the cultivation of related agricultural crops in the CUBR demonstration plots. During the first six months, 258 citrus trees were maintained.

Lessons Learned and Challenges

The project encountered challenges due to weather and logistical issues, but the team learned the importance of follow-up with families and community interest in planting for home consumption. Families found that planting promoted mental health and family unity, and participation in small groups and individual training increased. The project also motivated families to beautify a block in commune 20.

Beautification Day in Tierra Blanca neighborhood with families

Projections for 2023

In 2023, the project aims to strengthen existing initiatives through technical and financial support, disseminate and strengthen the Neighborhood Development Fund, and design and provide workshops for the community.

Conclusion

The Social Responsibility Project to strengthen local food systems in Cali, Colombia, made significant progress toward its goals in 2022. The implementation of the project overcame challenges and gained experience that can be useful for future projects. The project team plans to further strengthen the existing initiatives and promote community development in communes 18 and 20 in Cali, Colombia, through technical and financial support, workshops, and spreading knowledge and the best practices.

Let’s Come Together in Unity to Make a Difference in Cali

If you are passionate about the valuable mission and efforts of this project to strengthen local food systems in Cali through training and empowerment of local communities, you can contribute to this project. Together we can provide technical and financial assistance and provide the necessary materials and equipment. Your contribution, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Join us in this noble cause by clicking here. Thank you for your generosity and cooperation!