Sowing Peace from an Agribusiness: Colombian Farmers Reclaim Their Land and Livelihoods
The sun shines down on the fertile fields of Bolívar, Colombia, where lush valleys stretch toward the distant Andes. It is a picture of idyllic rural life, but beneath the surface lies a complex and painful past. For decades, the region has been ravaged by armed conflict, tearing communities apart and destroying livelihoods.
Saray Zúñiga, a proud Palenquera woman, knows the cost of conflict. The Palenqueras are women from the San Basilio de Palenque community, descendants of African slaves who fought for their freedom and created a unique cultural haven. Known for their colorful costumes and tradition of selling fruit, they maintain a rich heritage recognized by UNESCO.
“I was displaced five times; my children grew up displaced,” she said, her voice heavy with memory. “We in Palenque never thought this could happen, that there would be massacres and rapes. We were persecuted, and many of my friends from that time are no longer alive.”
Saray’s story is echoed by countless others in Bolívar. Peasants were driven from their homes, fields trampled, crops stolen. Once thriving farming communities became ghost towns, their residents scattered across the country.
At the Toro Sonrisa Handicrafts Store, victims of displacement like Saray Zuñiga are rebuilding their lives
But in 2016, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the FARC rebel group, marking the end of more than 50 years of conflict. As part of the agreement, the government pledged to increase rural development and cooperate with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (Food and Agriculture Organization) to help achieve this goal.
An important milestone was the implementation of a joint project between FAO and Sweden, Territorial transformation, resilience and sustainability. The initiative focuses on improving rural livelihoods by enhancing agricultural production, promoting sustainable land use, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. The initiative also empowers women through skills development and leadership opportunities.
With FAO support, farmers like Saray began the long and arduous process of rebuilding their lives. They reclaimed their land, reestablished 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 persistence, communities began to heal.
Saray Zuñiga is a proud ‘Palenquera’ from the San Basilio de Palenque community.
Today, Bolívar is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Farmers not only grow food, but also cultivate peace. They work together to protect the environment, promote sustainable agriculture, and build a brighter future for their children and grandchildren.
Saray, once a victim of conflict, is now a beacon of hope. She stands proudly in the Toro Sonrisa Ecological and Artisanal shop and restaurant, a bustling hub of activity where farmers sell produce and traditional Palenque sweets. “This is happiness,” she says, her eyes sparkling with joy. “We have our peace back.”
But the journey toward lasting peace and prosperity is not over. Bolívar’s peasants, with their resilience and determination, are writing a new chapter in their history.
Discover the entire inspiring journey of the Bolivar community and the transformative power of agriculture on the FAO website.
International Day of Peace held annually on September 21
