CSocD55 Photo Exhibition - Cooperatives

In the Antioquia region of Colombia, 3 agricultural production cooperatives developed a project to increase output and ensure food security for the 3,170 families living in the region. The instability of food supply in the region and household poverty was causing hunger and health problems in the region. The project initiated family gardens for self-consumption which increased per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables. Families increased their savings as they no longer need to buy fruits and vegetables. The project also taught members of the community business practices, such as estimating costs of production, teaching modern agricultural practices and empowering its members to negotiate for better prices directly at markets, thereby by-passing intermediaries. It also brought about increased family and community cohesion as residents work together; and increased knowledge of business processes, such as estimating production costs and getting accurate information on market prices. Photo by Juan Camilo Orrego | Location: Antioquia, Colombia