Case Study

Co-designed cocoa agroforestry cultivates productivity and peacebuilding process in Colombia

author(s)

Melo, William

themes
  • Crops for nutrition and health
  • Multifunctional landscapes
regions
  • Colombia
original file download
full citation

Melo, W.; Pulleman, M.; Marin, A.; Taborda Lozada, D.S.; Da Silva, M.; Chavarro, M.; Bueno, A. (2026) Co-designed cocoa agroforestry cultivates productivity and peacebuilding process in Colombia. Study LAC-2587. Rome (Italy): Bioversity International; Cali (Colombia): International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). 3 p.

In Colombia’s Putumayo Amazon foothills, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT worked with former guerrilla fighters and cacao cooperatives to strengthen cacao systems in the context of peacebuilding through participatory research, tailored agronomic support, and improved post-harvest management.
Using farm typologies, soil analysis, and improved cacao clones, the initiative increased productivity and grain quality across 220 farms, while strengthening local organizations and supporting inclusive rural development under Colombia’s peace and environmental agenda.