Press and News Transformative Results: 2024 Progress of Colombia Agroalimentaria Sostenible proyect
Towards a more efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient production, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Green Climate Fund, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and 13 partner institutions from Colombia’s agri-food sector.
On March 18 and 19, 2025, more than 70 representatives from the partner institutions of the Colombia Agroalimentaria Sostenible project gathered at the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance Campus for the First CAS 2025 Results Fair. This event aimed to share the progress and achievements in climate change mitigation and adaptation in Colombia’s agricultural sector. Additionally, it served as a space for analysis and learning to strengthen the sector’s sustainability and resilience, promoting innovative practices, modernizing production systems, and enhancing farmers’ capacities across the country through this collaborative effort.
During the fair, various key topics implemented in the project were addressed to continue collectively strengthening the agricultural sector, including: the strengthening and modernization of the agricultural extension system focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation; support for farmers’ decision-making through the design and enhancement of climate information services to prevent losses in production systems; genetic improvement and crop management techniques to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability; innovative and inclusive business models for the agricultural private sector; capacity building and modernization of agricultural extension services; monitoring and evaluation of the impact of implemented strategies; strategic alliances and the social, environmental, and gender plan, ensuring a comprehensive intervention; and the management of Territorial Managers, Technical Coordination, and Communications. These efforts benefit the project’s nine prioritized production systems: potatoes, rice, bananas, plantains, livestock, panela cane, sugarcane, coffee, and maize.
Project Impact in 2024 and the First Quarter of 2025:
Agroclimatic Infrastructure and Monitoring
- Installation of 37 agroclimatic stations in the departments of Cesar, Córdoba, Meta, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, Magdalena, Risaralda, Nariño, Sucre, Caquetá, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Arauca, Santander, and Norte de Santander. These stations enable real-time monitoring of agroclimatic conditions and the validation of forecasts for more informed decision-making in the field.
Experimental Plots and Sustainable Practices
- Implementation of 200 productive plots where strategies have been developed to optimize agricultural production under climate variability conditions.
Efficient Water and Soil Management
- 31 plots equipped with devices to measure soil moisture balance, assessing the performance of conventional and sustainable production systems with more efficient water use.
- 12 additional plots with equipment to monitor soil moisture balance and greenhouse gas emissions.
- 63 plots with continuous monitoring to reinforce strategies for efficient water use and climate change mitigation.
Emissions Reduction and Sustainability
- 21 plots with specialized chambers to measure carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions, comparing conventional and sustainable systems.
- Experimentation and validation of technologies: Implementation of 16,129 demonstration units where trials are conducted with technologies adapted to various agricultural ecosystems.
A key component of the project is training and knowledge transfer to key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Training farmers, technicians, and professionals is essential to strengthen their knowledge, equip them with new tools, and help them better understand the climate and production challenges the sector faces.
To date, 12,605 people have been trained in sustainable production strategies, broken down as follows:
- 9,649 farmers (76.5%) who have gained practical knowledge on sustainable soil management, efficient water use, and climate resilience strategies.
- 2,309 technicians and professionals (18.3%) who have strengthened their capacities to support and advise producers in implementing innovative practices.
These training sessions have been conducted through various events in 27 departments across the country, promoting the adoption of technologies and methodologies that contribute to the sustainability of Colombian agriculture. These spaces have been designed not only to share information but also to facilitate dialogue between experts and rural communities, enabling an exchange of knowledge that enriches both technical expertise and local experiences.
Scope of the Colombia Agroalimentaria Sostenible Project
The Colombia Agroalimentaria Sostenible Project seeks to reduce the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate threats, ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of quality food. To achieve this, it promotes climate risk management and greenhouse gas emission reduction, driving a more efficient and sustainable production model.
Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, implemented by the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance, and developed in collaboration with 13 partner institutions, the project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), with an investment of $99.9 million.
The project's impact will be significant, directly benefiting 194,870 producers, 500,000 indirect beneficiaries, 967,997 hectares of production, and 10,000 households with improved food security in 22 departments and 219 municipalities in Colombia. Additionally, it aims to reduce 2,397,353 tons of direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions over its five years of implementation.
The project’s progress demonstrates that sustainable agricultural development is not only possible but also delivers tangible benefits to small and medium-sized producers. The adoption of innovative technologies, access to real-time agroclimatic information, and the optimization of natural resources have enabled rural communities to improve their productivity and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.
This project directly contributes to the economic stability of rural families, promoting more profitable and resilient production systems. By strengthening technical capacities and generating knowledge, it lays the foundation for a more competitive agricultural sector, empowering producers to adapt to climate challenges and seize new market opportunities.
The path toward sustainable agriculture is already underway, and each milestone achieved is another step toward a future where productivity and environmental conservation go hand in hand.
