Completed project
Food Security, Community Resilience and Prevention of the Spread of COVID-19 in Colombia
CAD$ 30 000
Roncalli International Foundation (CAD 23,000), CECI (CAD 5,000), Mencoldes (CAD 2,000)
65–75
women participants
Colombian Mennonite Foundation for Development (Mencoldes)
In Colombia, the COVID-19 pandemic deepened economic and food insecurity, especially for women, girls, internally displaced persons and Venezuelan migrants. Implemented in the Bosa and Ciudad Bolivar neighbourhoods of Bogotá and in Soacha (Cundinamarca), the project strengthened food security and community resilience by establishing home gardens and a collectively managed community garden. Participants received training in organic urban agriculture, tools adapted to their available space, and COVID-19 prevention education. The initiative improved access to fresh, nutritious food, promoted solidarity through produce sharing, and offered income opportunities by selling surplus harvests. By combining public health awareness, food self-sufficiency, and women’s leadership, the project supported communities in building resilience during a time of crisis.
Home gardens and collective gardening
Growing resilience and solidarity in times of pandemic
Even before COVID-19, Colombia faced high poverty rates, with many households at risk of falling deeper into economic hardship. The pandemic worsened income losses and food shortages, particularly for women responsible for their families’ nutrition. In partnership with Mencoldes, CECI implemented a project to establish home gardens and a community garden producing vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants. This approach combined food security, sanitary prevention, and the possibility of income generation through surplus sales. By fostering solidarity and produce exchanges among participants, the project strengthened community bonds and improved resilience against ongoing and future crises.
Results that count
Healthy food, solidarity and resilience
65–75
women participants
375
family members involved
1
community garden established
Home gardens in 100%
of participating households
Our partners
Thank you to our financial, consortium and implementation partners, without whom this project would not be possible.
