At a Glance
Location: Colombia
Impact Areas: Employment Generation, Environment
People Supported:
Small Producers
Joined NESsT Portfolio:
2024
Overview
For over two decades, Asoprocegua (Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios por el Cambio Económico del Guaviare) has been committed to its mission of building thriving, sustainable livelihoods for farming families in Guaviare – a region particularly affected by territorial disputes and armed conflicts, and where excessive cattle farming has resulted in some of the highest deforestation rates in the country.
Asoprocegua supports smallholder farmers to cultivate products that are naturally produced in forests and can be sourced without cutting down a single tree, known as non-timber forest products. Specifically, the association provides producers with technical training and equipment to grow and harvest Amazonian fruits such as açaí (Euterpe precatoria), burití (Mauritia flexuosa), and seje (Oenocarpus bataua). These vitamin-rich fruits are then processed into pulp and other value-added products, and sold to restaurants, cafés, and national and international agrifood companies, allowing Asoprocegua to secure higher prices for its producers.
Today, Asoprocegua’s work extends across 30 villages and impacts 250 small producers, including Indigenous groups, young adults, and people over the age of 60.
By partnering with other organizations and government entities engaged in forest conservation, Asoprocegua has expanded its training curriculum for small-scale farmers to include sustainable agriculture, forest management, and protection and restoration of native forests. Additionally, with support from Rainforest Alliance, the association has maintained 6,869 hectares of natural forest under conservation and planted close to 100,000 trees to restore deforested land.
Results & Impact
+520
smallholder farmers received training from 2022–23
52%
higher seasonal income expected for producers by 2026
+100
collectors expected to receive support by 2026
““With the support and financial assistance of NESsT, Asoprocegua is working to strengthen the entire açai value chain from fruit collection and transportation to processing and commercialization of frozen pulp and freeze-dried açai. By doing so, we create jobs for young people and other marginalized groups, increase the income of our members, and conserve the forest.””
NESsT Investment
With the investment and mentoring support of NESsT and IKEA, Asoprocegua will refine and scale its business model, extending the reach of its social and environmental impact to an additional four regions in Colombia. Within the next three years, Asoprocegua aspires to conserve 10,000 hectares of forest and improve the livelihoods of 120 small-scale farmers.
Specifically, Asoprocegua will work to strengthen its açaí line. NESsT portfolio managers will provide tailored business advice to promote açaí consumption, establish new partnerships, and explore retail opportunities for the fruit.
Asoprocegua places great importance in equipping young people with the necessary knowledge to protect and conserve their lands. Part of its expansion will include supporting knowledge transfer to younger generations to secure sustainable futures in farming. As part of the portfolio, Asoprocegua will also work on improving gender equity and income for women farmers and other women in the community.