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Art 59. Rural voices

El Común is the name of the organization that promotes food sovereignty and agrobiodiversity with strong women in Santander, Colombia. The development of sustainable alternatives based on local knowledge is not neglected.
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Route of the Imaginaries

During the short tour of the Almanac of the Future, visiting women and men members of local groups of EL COMUN – Association of Peasant and Popular Organizations of Colombia – in the province of Guanenta in the south of the department of Santander / Colombia, the opportunity arose to engage in dialogue with four people and their families, as well as with people who support EL COMUN, about their experiences of transition to organic production and sustainable living.
Somara Leal, Salomón León and Luz Marina, Pilar Useda and Irenarco Ardila, and Jesús Güiza and Lizeth Zambrano have in common that they have adopted organic farming practices, without the use of agrochemicals, in their diversified farms, some with more than 120 products. They use their own compost bins to nourish their crops, manage rainwater, produce gas and biol, and use solar energy to light their homes. They also raise pigs, small animals, and fish, which allows them to be self-sufficient and have surpluses to barter with neighbors and sell in nearby markets. These practices have allowed them to raise their children, some of whom are entrepreneurs and university students, and to participate actively in local organizations. Pilar describes this way of life as “an injection of energy that cannot be exchanged for anything”. Somara Leal adds that “it’s a 100% change, it improves my health, it doesn’t matter if I get dirty, the contact with nature is very happy: listening to the sound of the birds, observing the flowering, seeing how the pollinators work in such an organized way”.

Agroecology and the Future

Every step we take towards agroecology is a step towards a more secure future for our families and communities. Does it appeal to you to be part of this change?

For over 40 years

EL COMUN is a second-degree organization that brings together 20 local community organizations, thus grouping two thousand women, most of them with their families. The organization was born 40 years ago in the heat of the processes of defense of the peasant cause and the solidarity economy, accompanied by the Social Pastoral of Socorro-San Gil, and then oriented towards agroecology and the empowerment of peasant women. Since its beginnings it has been supported by Misereor. Its example shows that it is possible to live a satisfying, happy and prosperous life in rural areas through sustainable and cooperative practices. The organization has focused more clearly on sustainable organic productive development, women’s empowerment and community peace and coexistence processes. The participation of women has been essential and significant in the life of the organization. In the last seven years, their presence in the assemblies and their representation in the board of directors and the working team has grown significantly. This change has allowed a decisive shift in the direction and emphasis of the organization, directing its actions towards local, associative, women’s, care and food security work.
The technical team of EL COMUN, most of them second generation of peasant families, have learned from childhood to work in a collaborative and participatory way, and now, after professionalizing in agroecology, environment, administration and communication, they offer advisory visits to peasant families. For many families, EL COMUN is a path of hope and transformation for the rural communities. With the agroecological school as their main source of inspiration and motivation for change, the families have been able to move from a monocultural and traditional production model to a diversified and organic one, with a food security perspective. The crops and innovative practices have emerged from the various spaces of seed exchange, shared practices, internships, visits and learning that take place in the school modules.

Consumption and Conscience

Ask yourself: Who am I buying from? What am I encouraging with my purchases? Chose agrochemical-free products and support the efforts of those who produce in an agroecological way.

Agroecological School

Alejandra Vargas, a member of El Común’s technical team, says of the agroecological school: “It is a theoretical and practical itinerant training that is developed in the same peasant organizations, taking into account the context; knowledge and know-how on agroecological practices and technologies are shared, according to the needs of the families and the value of their ancestral knowledge”. The school’s modules cover topics such as human talent, communication, agroecology, infrastructure, soil care and political advocacy; legal, administrative, accounting and tax issues of the organizations, as well as practices. The modules are developed annually in twelve sessions with a total duration of three years; the groups are made up of 35 to 40 promoters from different families.
Pilar and Somara agree in their appreciation of the school. “The school has helped us to change our mentality step by step, to understand the importance of taking care of the pillars of life: water, soil, forests and seeds”. The transition to agroecology has led to the diversification of the farms, from three or four crops to 60 species, in some cases up to 120 different products are grown on plots of two hectares, involving the whole family in the care of natural resources, family health and production for both self-consumption and commercialization. The technologies and infrastructures used include vegetable gardens, bio-digesters, water reservoirs, fish tanks, solar panels and the breeding of small species. This process extends to neighbors and outsiders who want to know and replicate the agro-ecological dynamics, connecting with many other organizations and networks. Much of this would not have been possible without the empowerment of women.

Spectacular harvest!

One of the highlights of EL COMUN is its ability to manage the involvement of several generations at the same time. This approach not only ensures the continuity of the organization, but also brings new ideas and perspectives that enrich its work. It is the women who have achieved this intergenerationality. Thanks to the agroecological school, a transformative force has been unleashed that values new knowledge and preserves ancestral wisdom; it is a solid foundation for a sustainable and prosperous present. The active participation of the grassroots ensures transparency of actions and decisions, strengthens community trust, and guarantees that decisions truly reflect the needs and desires of the grassroots. It is like a big family where different voices count and decisions are made together, seeking the widest participation and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Since women’s empowerment, more resilient and self-sufficient communities have emerged.

Elections and Sustainability

By choosing organic products, you are saying yes to a healthier, more sustainable future and you are supporting farming families who strive to maintain environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Every purchase is a vote for a better world – be part of the change!

EL COMUN and its grassroots organizations are able to adapt to changing contexts and new trends. The impact of social networks, technological evolution and new challenges require a forward-looking vision and constant attention to future trends. It is like navigating a mighty river, always aware of the currents and ready to adjust course.
Families affiliated with EL COMUN organizations not only find individual and family motivation, but are also nourished by the encouragement and best practices of their peers. The circulation of information and training become the driving force behind the implementation of innovative and sustainable actions. In this scenario, there are no impediments to fulfilling dreams and realizing satisfying life projects in the countryside, thanks to a change in beliefs and the training opportunities that have multiplied in rural areas.

Union and progress

Strategic alliances and a focus on sustainable human development are pillars for a prosperous future. Could we encourage more collaboration and togetherness?

The message for organizations and leaders is clear: transparency, coherence and working towards the higher purpose and objectives are basic. Every possibility must be seen as an opportunity to advance in the proposed goal, always with a vision of collective construction. Trust, perseverance and insistence are the keys to contribute to society and to overcome complex realities.

Leave us a message on our social networks to share with the community !

Messages to the Future

1

To farming families

It’s time to start a new life cycle in organic production. Every seed you plant is a promise of a healthier and more sustainable future. You are not alone in this journey; join others and participate in trainings and meetings offered by organizations like EL COMÚN, learning about sustainable agricultural practices and sharing experiences with your peers. Are you ready to transform the land and your life?

2

To urban families

Be conscious of what you consume. Every time you choose organic and local products, you are supporting farmers who work hard to offer healthy and sustainable food. Your choice has a direct impact on the health of your family and the well-being of our rural communities.

3

To organizations

Be inspired by the lessons learned from EL COMUN. Transparency, coherence and working towards objectives are essential to achieve transitions. Every opportunity must be seen as a possibility to move towards these transitions towards a future that does have a future. Confidence, perseverance and insistence are key to contribute to society and to transition complex realities. How can you motivate your family and friends to actively participate in these transitions and lead by example?

Working as a group and linking up with other collectives and networks are indispensable to advance common goals.

The text was elaborated based on conversations with Sara Alhumcema, Alejandra Vargas, Mayerli Achila, Jenny Paola Ardila and Tatiana Pinilla from EL COMUN in San Gil (El Común has been supported for many years by Misereor / Germany) and visits to Somara Leal in San Jose Llano / Barichara, Salomón León in Agua Fría / Villanueva, Pilar Useda with her family in Quitasol / Guadalupe and Jesús Güiza and Lizeth Zambrano in Moravio / Confines. The visits in September 2024 were made by Javier Jaramillo (member of the Almanac Complicity Council) and Jorge Krekeler (coordinator of the Almanac of the Future – facilitator of Misereor on behalf of Agiamondo). We thank each of the people visited and their families for their time, interest, trust and warm reception of the Almanac of the Future. Special thanks to Sara, Aleja, Mayerli, Jenny Paola and the other members of the El Común team for their support and accompaniment during all activities. Thanks to Javier Jaramillo for teaming up and dreaming together.

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Authors:

  • Jorge Krekeler | jorge.krekeler@posteo.de
  • Javier Jaramillo | jjaramillo18@hotmail.com

Design:

  • Gabriela Avendaño.

Photos:

  • Javier Jaramillo
  • Jorge Krekeler

Contact information regarding the documented experience:

  • Organization EL COMÚN
    • www.elcomun.org
    • asociacion_elcomun@yahoo.com
    • direccionejecutiva.elcomun@gmail.com
  • Somara Leal
    • WhatsApp: +57 3134826780
    • email: granjaelarquideal@gmail.com
    • Facebook and Twitter: granja_orquideal
  • Salomón León
    • WhatsApp: + 57 3158211031
  • Pilar Useda
    • WhatsApp: +57 3223172397
  • Jesús Güiza
    • WhatsApp: +57 3157626277

Edition:

February 2024

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