Farmer-to-Farmer Exchange and Reforestation in Colombia

Grow Ahead has teamed up with COSURCA and Cooperative Coffees to expand agroecological capacities and community adaptability practices to climate change.

Together with five other grassroots organizations (ASPROALMAGUER, CERROLERMA, ASPROSANLOR, ASPROSI and ASPROASIC) in the Macizo and Sur del Cauca regions of Colombia, where communities are facing the impacts of climate change. In the municipalities where these organizations are based (Almaguer, Bolívar, La Sierra), climate change has severely affected the soil and harvest cycle, thereby affecting production of coffee, cocoa, peanuts and other food crops. Soil degradation and erosion due to human processes and soil topography, as well as inadequate protection of water sources due to loss of tree cover, inappropriate agricultural practices and the presence of illicit crops have also worsened the effects of climate change on smallholder farmers.

COSURCA's work is aimed at promoting agroecology and strengthening productive diversification, the management of areas of water and environmental interest, and other practices that contribute to adaptation and the fight against climate change. By carrying out the following activities, this project aims to give continuity to and strengthen the regional work of COSURCA.