U.S. and Colombia Sign Agreement to Support Potato Crops in Nariño

September 17, 2010

Nariño is one of the colombian towns with more popatoe crops.

On September 16, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Organization for Migrations (IOM) and the National Federation of Potato Growers (Fedepapa) signed an agreement to promote income generation for 510 families in five Nariño municipalities. Thanks to the modernized and competitive growth of potato crops, these families will gain access to new jobs.

The initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for displaced families who continue to have social and economic difficulties. The recipients receive job and business training, while qualifying for food security programs allowing them to obtain food and income firsthand.

This project is also sponsored by the Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation (Acción Social), the National Apprenticeship Service (SENA) and local municipalities in Nariño.

During the implementation of this agreement, beneficiaries living in Pupiales, Pasto, Carlosama, Potosí and Cordoba in Nariño, will receive business training in potato production systems management and production environment good practices.

Farmers also receive organic fertilizer, certified potato seeds and tools to cultivate 500 hectares of potatoes to ensure the sustainability of the project. In addition to potatoes, farmers can also grow beans, corn and other vegetables, and raise guinea pigs to feed themselves and their families.

This program will be supplemented with workshops on self-management, motivation for change, self-care and recreation.

According to the 2009 Social Action Census, the Nariño Department is the recipient of 134,882 IDPs.