Agriculture & Food Security

Cacao for Development (C4D) aims to strengthen Colombia’s cacao sector by supporting cacao farmers attain economically viable diversified farming systems, sustainable agricultural landscapes, and equitable commercialization models.

As a key agricultural product of Colombia for both domestic consumption and export, cacao has the potential to forge peace in rural communities. However, environmental shocks and volatile prices mean farmers cannot earn a livable income through cacao production alone.

C4D is a US$25M investment funded by the United States Department of Agriculture that brings together government, NGOs and private sector allies to improve cocoa and complementary supply chains in Colombia. The project evolves around three verticals: Value Chain optimization, Living Income and Carbon capture by the cacao agroforestry system. We aim to increase productivity and livelihoods of the farmers by intervening in ways that promote sustainable business models and expand trade between the U.S. and Colombia.

Connected with the right resources and training, rural farmers and agribusinesses can improve production and gain greater access to economic opportunities.

Agriculture is key to improving food security and nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since 1991, Partners’ Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program has been transforming lives in over 30 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. F2F connects specialized volunteers from the United States with farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, extension services, government agencies and other institutions. F2F is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

F2F volunteers provide technical assistance on practical interventions that increase food production and income, improve farm and agribusiness operations, help farmers gain access to markets, build local capacity, and conserve natural resources. Volunteers not only offer much-needed training, they also build meaningful relationships, fostering mutual understanding and respect. The 2018-2023 program focuses on Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colombia, Guyana and Burma, as well as other select countries in the region. A projected 610 volunteer experiences will be completed over the next five years.

Check out the F2F country strategies:

• Colombia

• The Dominican Republic

• Guyana

• Guatemala

• Myanmar

• Jamaica

Watch more F2F Success Stories

In Haiti, impoverished households continue to suffer from significant nutrition insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies. Poor health and nutrition are prominent in the country and most severely impact pregnant and lactating women and young children. Our Ranfòse Abitid Nitrisyon pou Fè Ogmante Sante (RANFOSE) program aims to address micronutrient deficiencies in Haiti by increasing the availability of high-quality fortified foods throughout the country. Our strategy uses a multipronged, participatory approach to identify major constraints and target key stakeholders in the public sector, private sector, and civil society to stimulate a sustainable national program for fortified staple foods.

RANFOSE seeks to establish a National Fortification Alliance with key stakeholders to build consensus and advocate for food fortification and support the technical capacity to fortify foods, supported by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The program supports local industry and importers in the production of sustained and safe fortification of foods. In addition, program activities are focused on increasing consumer reach and availability of fortified foods by facilitating the expansion of distribution networks.

Launched in 2017, RANFOSE is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and was originally anticipated to be implemented over a period of four years. In summer 2021, the project was awarded a two-year cost extension by USAID. During these additional years, RANFOSE will continue existing activities in pursuit of establishing an enabling environment for a sustainable national food fortification program.