MWR : Colombian MBs, MCC offer alternative to coca

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April 23, 2007 issue

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Colombian MBs, MCC offer alternative to coca

Project promotes growing food rather than illicit crop

By Mennonite Central Committee staff

AKRON, Pa. — In Colombia’s Chocó region, Mennonite Central Committee is supporting a Mennonite Brethren effort to give farmers an alternative to growing coca, an illicit crop used to make cocaine.

After coca plants were fumigated in southern Colombia through the U.S.-funded Plan Colombia, coca production moved to other areas of the country, including Chocó.

Once rare in this region, coca has become commonplace, with farmers lured into growing it by the hope of quick money.

Now fewer families are producing food. Food products have become more expensive and are more commonly being imported.

The MCC-supported project, developed by a regional council of Colombia’s Mennonite Brethren church, was created in response to growing violence and lack of food.

The project will work with 37 families in 11 communities, aiming to increase families’ food production and the amount of food for sale in local markets. It focuses on families who have resisted raising illicit crops and will benefit more than 200 people, 60 percent of them children.

For six decades, Colombian Mennonite Brethren churches have played a significant role in the region through a number of social programs. There are 15 Mennonite Brethren communities in the area, and MB leaders are well-respected.

Through the end of 2007, participants will receive material assistance, such as seeds, chickens and pigs. Technical assistance will help families improve their food production practices. The project also will help families transport goods they raise to local markets.

MB churches will continue to emphasize food production in church activities.

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