In the heart of Colombia, where the scars of conflict run deep, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Farmers, once displaced and dispossessed, are reclaiming their land, rebuilding their communities, and forging a path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The sun beats down on the fertile fields of Bolívar, Colombia, where lush green valleys stretch towards the distant Andes mountains. It's a picture of idyllic rural life, but beneath the surface lies a complex and painful past. For decades, this region was ravaged by armed conflict, leaving communities shattered and livelihoods destroyed.

Saray Zúñiga, a proud Palenquera woman, knows the cost of conflict all too well. Palenqueras are women from the San Basilio de Palenque communities, descendants of African slaves who fought for their freedom and established a unique cultural haven. They are known for their vibrant attire and their tradition of selling fruit, preserving a rich heritage that is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"I was displaced five times; my children grew up in displacement," she says, her voice heavy with the weight of memory. "We in Palenque never thought this could happen, that there would be massacres and rapes. We were persecuted, and many of my friends at the time are not alive today."

Saray's story is echoed by countless others in Bolívar. Farmers were forced from their homes, their fields trampled, their harvests stolen. The once-thriving agricultural communities were reduced to ghost towns, their inhabitants scattered across the country.

But in 2016, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the FARC rebel group, marking the end of over 50 years of conflict. As part of the deal, the government committed to enhancing rural development and FAO is helping them to reach this goal.

A key turning point was the implementation of the FAO-Sweden joint project: Territorial Transformation, Resilience and Sustainability. This initiative focused on improving rural livelihoods by strengthening agricultural production, promoting sustainable land use, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It also empowered women through skill development and leadership opportunities. 

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