Feb. 9, 2009 issue
Colombians grow food, not coca, with help from MCC
By Shalom Wiebe and Cathryn ClintonPage:
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BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Mennonite Brethren churches in the Choco region support more than 100 families through alternative agricultural projects in a “Food Not Coca” program funded by Mennonite Central Committee.
Jesus Alfredo Benitez harvests corn. — Photo by Shalom Wiebe/MCC
Coca cultivation has changed the economy by inflating local prices. Traditional crop prices don’t sustain farmers’ families. Coca, when illegally processed, produces cocaine, a sure source of income.
“There is definitely a temptation to grow coca, especially in rural communities,” said Manuel Mosquera, pastor of Istmina Mennonite Brethren Church and coordinator of “Food Not Coca.”
“Our vision is to improve the living standards of the participants, to help them keep farming food crops and keep them from getting involved in the production of coca.”
The first participants were church members from the 14 communities where MB churches are located. Community participants were added in the second year. Pastors selected all the participants based on need.
The project provides materials rather than money. For those with crops, fertilizer and labor for maintenance are offered. For others, seed or animals such as piglets, chicks or fry for fish ponds are provided.
“The support made a big difference for my farm,” Jesus Alfredo Benitez said. “Without maintenance it would be a jungle.”
Fertilizing non-productive plants back into production meant that Benitez was able to sell his guava, corn and plantain in the town of Istmina.
Four church communities, Boca de Suruco, Basurú, Paitó and Pie de Pepe formed cooperatives involving all the families in each congregation. They raise pigs, chickens and yucca.
The Pie de Pepe cooperative is located in an active conflict zone. Unemployment is a problem as many can’t work in their fields because of the presence of illegal armed groups.
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