The sun beats down on the fertile fields of Bolívar, Colombia, where lush green valleys stretch to the distant Andes. It’s a picture of idyllic rural life, but beneath the surface lies a complex and painful past. For decades, armed conflict has ravaged the region, tearing communities apart and destroying livelihoods.
Saray Zúñiga, a proud Palenquera woman, knows the price of conflict all too well. 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 refuge. They are known for their vibrant clothing and their tradition of selling fruit, with which they maintain a rich heritage recognized by UNESCO.
“I’ve been displaced five times; my children grew up in displacement,” she says, her voice heavy with memory. “We in Palenque never thought that this could happen, that there would be massacres and rapes. We were persecuted, and many of my friends from back then are no longer alive today.”
Saray’s story is repeated by countless others in Bolívar. Peasants were driven from their homes, their fields trampled, their crops stolen. Once-thriving farming communities were reduced to ghost towns, their inhabitants scattered across the country.
But in 2016, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Colombian government signed a peace accord with the FARC rebel group, ending more than 50 years of conflict. As part of the deal, the government pledged to improve rural development and entered into a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Food and Commodities Authority) to help achieve this goal.
A major turning point was the implementation of the joint project between FAO and Sweden, Territorial transformation, resilience and sustainability. This initiative focused on improving rural livelihoods by strengthening agricultural production, promoting sustainable land use and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. It also empowered women through skills development and leadership opportunities.
With FAO support, farmers like Saray began the long and arduous process of rebuilding their lives. They reclaimed their land, rebuilt their farms, and formed cooperatives to gain better access to markets. It wasn’t easy. The scars of conflict were deep and trust was hard to find. But slowly, with patience and perseverance, communities began to heal.
Today, Bolivar is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Farmers not only grow crops, they cultivate peace. They work together to protect the environment, promote sustainable agriculture, and build a better future for their children.
Saray, once a victim of conflict, is now a beacon of hope. She stands proudly in the Toro Sonrisa Ecological and Artisanal shop and restaurant, a bustling hub of activity where farmers sell their produce and traditional Palenque sweets. “This is happiness,” she says, her eyes sparkling with joy. “We have regained our peace.”
But the journey to lasting peace and prosperity is far from over. With their resilience and determination, the farmers of Bolívar are writing a new chapter in their history.
Discover the full scope of the Bolivar community’s inspiring journey and the transformative power of agriculture on the FAO website.
International Day of Peace is celebrated every year on September 21