Nariño farmers and peace signatories launch cacao project

In Nariño, Colombia, peace signatories and local farmers have launched the ‘Manigua de Paz’ chocolate bar, a project aimed at fostering rural development and peacebuilding through the cacao value chain. Located in the San José del Guayo area of Tumaco, the initiative involves 33 peace signatories and approximately 200 local families through the Nueva Esperanza del Pacífico Multiactive Cooperative (COOMUNTU).

The project, supported by the ARN’s Economic Sustainability strategy and technical assistance from the FAO, includes investments of 300 million pesos for improving post-harvest processes and infrastructure, and 55 million pesos for direct cacao purchases to ensure fair prices. The initiative integrates the entire process from cultivation to agro-industrial transformation and national commercialization.