Puente a la Salud Comunitaria will train 100 young farmer families, to practice sustainable farming in Oaxaca, Mexico. Amaranth provides environmental, nutritional, and local economic opportunities that contribute to community development. We want to integrate young people into the value chain of amaranth to strength local food systems that positively impact healthy food choices, economic wellbeing, and environmental sustainability in rural areas.
Oaxaca is considered the 2nd poorest state in Mexico. The rural population suffers high levels of food insecurity related to a dependence on cheap, imported processed food. According to INEGI, 60% of the farmers are over 60 years old, which causes low productivity, a lack of the use of technology, and even the abandonment of the countryside. This project will support 100 young farming families living in vulnerable communities most affected by rural poverty.
With 16 years of experience in Mexico, we will support community-driven initiatives for farming families so they can benefit from nutritional and economic opportunities while applying agro-ecological methods. They will generate additional income and access to healthy food options locally by growing amaranth in their fields. With your support, we will strategically invest in young families who choose to work in their farms and grow amaranth and other local food alternatives.
According to his testimony, Alfredo (23 years) wants to improve his skills to become a successful farmer and provide healthy and nutritious food to his 2-year old child and wife. They plan to stay in their community to preserve and promote the future of sustainable agriculture. We want to support more young farmers like Alfredo and Anai who contribute to food sovereignty to pursue further value-added opportunities for agro-ecological amaranth farmers.
