In Latin America, the agri-food sector plays a crucial role, contributing 10-15% to the GDP and providing essential ecosystem services. However, urban areas, where 80% of the population lives, face a double burden of hunger, malnutrition, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. In rural regions, migration is driven by limited opportunities and the threat to resources like water and land, especially in indigenous territories. Local initiatives, such as urban agriculture and community kitchens, are searching for solutions, while multi-stakeholder efforts aim to connect these actions with public policy. Our approach focuses on food systems, sustainable landscapes, inclusive businesses, and evidence-based impact. By strengthening farmers and small businesses, we aim to improve food security and create socio-economic and environmental benefits for both urban and rural communities.
In Latin America, the agri-food sector represents between 10% and 15% of the GDP of each country's economy. It is also the region that provides the most ecosystem services for the world and maintaining them will be impossible without sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. Up to 80% of the population lives in cities, where, regardless of their scale, they experience the double burden of hunger and malnutrition, while dealing with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and food waste.
In the countryside, the lack of opportunities and the threat to resources such as water and land in indigenous territories motivate strong migratory flows. In this uncertain scenario for food, local assistance programs for urban agriculture and community kitchens are looking for solutions, and multi-stakeholder spaces connect efforts with public policy. Recognising the urban-rural link is essential. Only by working with farmers, men and women and consumers we can secure food for all.
We collaborate with local food system actors (governments, farmers, food retailers and distributors, citizens and their organisations, thematic experts, financial institutions, civil society organisations) to make urban food environments and food supply chains more conducive to healthy, sustainable and nutritious diets in 11 cities. With diverse stakeholders, we collaborate and promote full participation (all represented), so that no one is left behind.
We work with four key approaches: food systems, sustainable and resilient landscapes, inclusive business, and evidence for impact.
Healthy and nutritious food for Latin American cities produced in an efficient and sustainable way.
Inclusion of small-scale producers, vulnerable citizens, youth and women in urban food markets.
Supportive local, national and international policy, financial and regulatory environment incentivises healthy, sustainable and nutritious diets in cities.
Do you want to contact our country team? Do not hesitate to contact us.
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Peru: Ecological Agriculture Network of Peru (RAE), Agroferias Campesinas, ACPC Pichanaki and Ecosad
Ecuador: UNORCAC Women's Committee. In addition, we actively collaborate with the Quito Agri-Food Pact and the Association of Ecuadorian Municipalities, CONQUITO.
Guatemala: Indigenous Cooperation for Integral Development (COINDI), Generación de Maíz Association for Integral Development and Community Health (AGEMA), Western Association for Cooperation for Rural Development (CDRO) and Regional Coordinating Association of Integral Cooperatives (CORCI).
Honduras: Rural Reconstruction Program (PRR), Food Bank of Honduras, Association of Municipalities of Lake Yojoa (Amuprolago). In addition, we actively collaborate with the Honduran Agrocommercial Consortium (ConagroH) -which was our partner until December 2023-, the Technical Unit for Food and Nutritional Security, the National Human Rights Commission (CONADEH) and the Food and Nutrition Security Observatories (OBSAN)
Nicaragua: Union of Horticultural Cooperatives of the North (UCHON) and Association for Diversification and Community Agricultural Development (ADDAC).
At the international level, we collaborate with FAO, ICLEI, EcoAgriculture Partners, Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFP).
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