Food Security
Through this Key Activity, we aim to boost staple food production and promote sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security for the Matavén Indigenous communities, while effectively reducing deforestation rates and safeguarding natural resources. Its successful implementation has led to significant results and benefits, including:
REDD+ Matavén
Boosting staple food production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices
- Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Land Management Plan: Our ongoing efforts include designing and updating a sustainable management plan for Matavén’s lands and forests, aligned with environmental conservation and agricultural productivity goals.
- Monitoring of Traditional Agricultural Plots (Conucos): We identified and regularly visit and monitor conucos to ensure the communities are using sustainable land practices, improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
- Land Use Data Collection and Processing: We document and update critical land use information, including mapping, surveys, and conuco monitoring records, to promote good land use, sustainable agriculture and increase productivity.
- Socioeconomic Surveys: Conducted to measure the improvements in the quality of life among Indigenous communities.
- Technical Assistance and Training: We’ve established partnerships to provide specialized training in sustainable agriculture, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to protect natural resources and boost food production.
Leadership
Incentives
Monthly bonuses are provided to Indigenous Captains (in 2024 there are 336 captains) to recognize their efforts in community leadership, promoting traditional agricultural practices, education, and sustainable land use.
- Distribution and Maintenance of Agricultural Equipment: Equipment such as cassava shredders, tractors, and motor pumps have been provided to enhance farming efficiency and support sustainable practices.
- Provision of Work Tools: Communities received a wide range of tools, including wheelbarrows, machetes, shovels, hammers, and more, to support both agricultural and household tasks.
- Food and Kitchen Supplies: In addition to agricultural tools, we have distributed essential food supplies and kitchen equipment (pots, metal griddles, freezers, etc.) to support Indigenous families.
- Food Kits for the Elderly: We’ve distributed food kits to elderly community members, ensuring they have access to essential nutrition.
Security Projects
Over the lifecycle of the Project, we have developed more than 260 small and medium-sized food security projects – including:
Sustainable
Agriculture
Projects
We’ve initiated agriculture projects focused on crops like sweet and bitter cassava, plantains, sugar cane, maize, yam, cashew, cilantro, rice, passion fruit, oranges, lemons, pineapples, and guavas. To support these efforts, we provide seeds, lime, fertilizers, pesticides, and essential tools such as machetes, shovels, wheel barrows,and sharpening files. We also fund labor for land preparation, weeding, crop management, and road maintenance, ensuring smooth project implementation. Additionally, we manage agreements for technical assistance and training to help communities adopt best practices in agriculture.
- Livestock Projects: To strengthen livestock farming, we have supplied broiler chickens, laying hens, feed, antibiotics, and vitamins. We’ve also arranged for the transportation of animals, supplies, and materials, ensuring that communities have everything they need to succeed. Technical training and support have been provided to promote sustainable livestock management practices.
- Agrosilvopastoral Projects: We focus on integrating forestry and livestock farming. We’ve supplied calves, heifers, tools, and vaccinations, while ensuring cold-chain transportation for vaccines and other materials. Technical assistance and training help Indigenous farmers sustainably manage their livestock and land.
- Handicraft Projects: We have financed the purchase and transportation of materials and supplies for handicraft production. We also support community members in participating in fairs, helping them market their products and expand their economic opportunities.
- Additional Projects: Other initiatives include fish farming, ecological beekeeping, tailoring and sewing, to diversify income sources and support environmental conservation efforts.
To complement this key activity, we have been simultaneously leading four large-scale productive projects over the past four years, along with the Indigenous Cooperative COOMATAVÉN.