Across Latin America and the Caribbean, Afro-descendant communities are leading efforts to strengthen their cultures, protect their environments, promote sustainable livelihoods, and advance social justice. This space highlights stories, experiences, initiatives, and perspectives from community leaders, organizations, women, youth, and local changemakers whose work is helping build more inclusive and resilient communities.

Through these stories, we celebrate community knowledge, leadership, innovation, and the contributions of Afro-descendant peoples to the development of our societies:

Afro-Colombian Cacao Producers Strengthen Sustainable Agriculture and Women's Leadership in Dagua, Colombia

July, 2025, Dagua, Valle del Cauca, Colombia — Afro-Colombian cacao producers are working to preserve traditional agricultural knowledge while promoting sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunities for rural communities in Valle del Cauca.

For generations, Afro-Colombian families in Dagua have cultivated cacao and other agricultural products using practices rooted in local knowledge and a close relationship with the land. However, despite their contributions to local food systems and rural economies, many Afro-Colombian producers have faced barriers related to racial discrimination, limited institutional support, economic exclusion, and unequal access to development opportunities. These challenges have been particularly significant for Afro-Colombian women, who often experience both racial and gender-based discrimination.

Through collaboration with ASOCADAGUA, local efforts have been undertaken to strengthen the inclusion and participation of Afro-Colombian farmers in agricultural initiatives and community development activities. According to José H. Duque, current President of ASOCADAGUA, ensuring the meaningful participation of Afro-Colombian communities is essential to achieving equitable and sustainable rural development.

"Afro-Colombian producers have long contributed to the agricultural traditions of this region. It is important that they are fully included in training opportunities, organizational processes, and economic initiatives, particularly Afro-Colombian women, who continue to face greater barriers and discrimination," noted Duque.

As a result of these efforts, Afro-Colombian producers have increased their participation in local agricultural activities and are currently working to establish a community-based business initiative in Dagua aimed at adding value to cacao production through artisanal processing and local entrepreneurship. The initiative seeks to generate new economic opportunities while preserving traditional knowledge and strengthening community resilience.

Afroamérica XXI has helped raise awareness of the importance of recognizing and working in partnership with Afro-Colombian communities in the region. Through dialogue with local leaders, producers, and community organizations, the organization has contributed to highlighting the challenges and contributions of Afro-Colombian farmers and to promoting greater inclusion in local development efforts.

The experience also underscores the importance of supporting Afro-Colombian women as leaders in sustainable agriculture and community development. Their knowledge, leadership, and participation are critical for strengthening food security, environmental sustainability, and economic inclusion in rural territories.

Afrolatino Empowerment recognizes the leadership of Afro-Colombian farmers, women producers, and community organizations working to build more inclusive and sustainable development models that benefit present and future generations.