Degradation of the environment by intensive agro-business, deforestation and chemical fertilisers, jeopardise the lifestyle and the traditional agriculture known as Shagra amongst the Columbian producers (Shageros). Therefore, the Pasto people are concerned about respecting mother earth when cultivating lands and preoccupied with sustaining their resources for future generations. 

The main aim of the project is to create an experienced network of Shageros with ecological agriculture techniques. 

Local partners organised the training of 300 producers on agro-ecological practices to reduce pollution and increase direct sales. Two local markets were also created to develop an economical support on a short supply chain. 

By April 2013, 420 people received training, two exchange programs were installed between producers, and 1,000 leaflets about ecological agro-culture methods were handed out to promote the practices together with the amelioration of the local market infrastructures. 

Partner: 

Associations Agronomes et Vétérinares Sans Frontieres is a non-profit organisation with 30 years of experience in rural development. Its main objectives are to secure peasant agriculture, ensure food security of rural and urban population, sustainably protect and manage natural resources and achieve economic and social integration through local jobs and revenues creation in rural areas. 
Association of Indigenous Traditional Authorities: Shaquiñan is AVSF local partner since 2008. 

Sponsor: Juan Celis