Colombia
Agriculture
Higher incomes and safe jobs for victims of the armed conflict in Colombia
The Problem
The 50 year long violent conflict left many rural areas in Colombia with an underdeveloped employment ecosystem. In fact, 88% of employment in rural Colombia is informal with wages way below the national average and without access to pensions, a decent healthcare system or unemployment benefits.
The Solution
Pomario trains and employs smallholder farmers from the conflict regions in the cultivation of organic vegetables and edible flowers. They sell their produce to gourmet restaurants and chefs, which yields a higher margin than traditional produce. The employees are paid double the average salary of rural workers and provided with full social benefits and educational opportunities.
The Impact
They provide formalised employment to over 30 farmers with full social benefits and are dedicated to 100% organic produce, promoting sustainable farming in Colombia.
“A charity dollar has one life -
a social business dollar can be invested over and over again”
Prof. Muhammad Yunus