As part of our sustainable climate change program in Colombia, small farmers bettering their farming skills through training in sustainable agriculture, which taught them when to plant specific foods, how to irrigate properly, when to harvest new crops, and other best farming practices.

Prior to the training, many local farmers and their families subsisted on one staple vegetable, such as plantains, but the training has taught them the importance and benefits of diversifying their crops for both their health and also the health of the environment. Now, many farmers have expanded their crops to additional tuber and roots. Roots and tubers are high in carbohydrates, calcium and vitamin C. Cassava root is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for around 500 million people.

“Before the training, I only harvested plantains. Thanks to Malteser International, I have something to eat all year long because I have a diverse produce. When yam is in season I can harvest those and have food. And when it is plantain season, I can have those. I now have yam, cassava, and plantain, which are the basic nourishing foods in Northern Colombia.”

PROJECT GALLERY

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