The sun shines on the fertile fields of Bolívar, Colombia, where lush green valleys stretch into the distant Andes. It is a picture of a pleasant rural life, but underneath lies a complicated and painful past. The region has been plagued by conflict for decades, leaving communities devastated and livelihoods destroyed.
Saray Zúñiga, a proud woman from Palenquera, knows all too well the cost of conflict. The Palenqueras are women from the communities of San Basilio de Palenque, descendants of African slaves who fought for their freedom and established a unique cultural space. They are known for their powerful costumes and their tradition of selling fruit, maintaining a rich heritage recognized by UNESCO.
“I was evicted five times; my children grew up outside,” he said, his voice straining to remember. “We in Palenque never thought that this would happen, that there would be massacres and rapes. We were persecuted, and many of my friends at that time are not alive today.”
Saray’s story is echoed by countless others in Bolívar. Farmers were driven from their homes, their fields trampled, their crops stolen. Once thriving agricultural communities have turned into ghost towns, their residents scattered across the country.
But in 2016, there was a glimmer of hope. The Colombian government has signed a peace deal with the FARC rebel group, marking the end of more than 50 years of conflict. As part of the agreement, the government committed to promoting rural development and partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to help achieve this goal.
A major change was the implementation of a joint FAO-Sweden project, Environmental Change, Resilience and Sustainability. The program focuses on improving rural livelihoods by strengthening agricultural production, promoting sustainable land use, and encouraging cooperation between various stakeholders. It has also empowered women with skills development and leadership opportunities.
With the support of FAO, farmers like Saray are beginning the long and difficult 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 the conflict were deep, and it was difficult to overcome trust. But little by little, with patience and perseverance, communities began to heal.
Today, Bolívar is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Farmers not only grow crops but also cultivate peace. They work together to protect the environment, promote sustainable agriculture, and build a bright future for their children.
Saray, once a victim of conflict, is now a beacon of hope. Standing proudly at the Toro Sonrisa Ecological and Artisanal store & a restaurant, a bustling place where farmers sell their produce and the traditional sweets of Palenque. “This is happiness,” he said, his eyes sparkling with joy. “We have found peace.”
But the journey to lasting peace and prosperity is far from over. The farmers of Bolívar, with their endurance and determination, wrote a new chapter in their history.
Discover the full scope of the inspiring journey of the Bolivar community and its potential to transform agriculture FAO website.
International Day of Peace is celebrated every year on 21 September
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