Productive Projects Driving Sustainable Livelihoods

Prodeco has continued promoting the development of sustainable productive initiatives in cattle and fish farming developed by six community associations that provide support to 184 members (representing the same number of families), benefiting over 800 people including 67 women leaders and generating over 770 local jobs. Thanks to the strong results achieved, four of these projects have already been formally transferred to the associations for their independent management, strengthening local autonomy and long-term sustainability.

Fish farming

• Granja Cartagena (ASOPAAB), Becerril, Cesar:
  With 31 members and more than 120 beneficiary families, the association made progress in building infrastructure for tilapia farming and implemented complementary crops such as corn. The infrastructure is expected to be completed and the farm to become operational by mid 2026.  This aims to establish a stable source of income for participating families.

• Granja La Estrella (APETOSCA), La Jagua de Ibirico:
  With 34 members and more than 130 participating families, 2024 marked the completion of construction and productive facilities, as well as the start of the production stage with successful tilapia harvests that generated local jobs and income. In 2025, more than 59,000 tilapias and over 23,000 fingerlings have been stocked, achieving sales of US $98,900.

• Granja El Rocío (ASOPRAPS), El Paso:
  With 27 members and more than 130 beneficiary families, civil and electrical works were completed, a tilapia harvest exceeding initial production goals was supported, and training and local employment initiatives were promoted. More than 150,000 fingerlings were stocked and over 3,500 tilapias were sold with profits ~ US $56,200. Since May 2025, Prodeco has transferred the project to the association to be operated independently.  

Cattle rearing

• Granja Florida (ASOJAGUAIB), La Jagua de Ibirico:
  With 30 members and more than 130 beneficiary families, the project advanced agricultural infrastructure development, soil management, and organizational improvement. A total of 36 cows, 2 bulls, and 31 pregnant heifers were delivered.

• Granja San Rafael (ASOBEMPRE), Becerril, Cesar:
  Comprising 25 members and more than 130 beneficiary families, the association achieved 100% completion of its planned infrastructure and launched its livestock component with the delivery of animals and the strengthening of productive capacities. A total of 36 cows, 2 bulls, and 31 pregnant heifers were delivered.

• Granja Portón Rojo (ASOPROPASO), El Paso, Cesar Department:
  With 37 members and more than 170 beneficiary families, this project strengthened agricultural practices, crop diversification, and the consolidation of sustainable productive models. Led by an association composed predominantly of women, the initiative promotes women´s leadership, economic autonomy, and active participation in productive and organizational processes within the territory, achieving tangible results in production, employment, and community participation.

These three cattle projects were handed over by Prodeco to the associations for their autonomous management, thereby consolidating their transition towards sustainable and self-managed productive models. One of the most significant milestones achieved in this process was the increase in breeding stock, as a result of strengthening productive capacities and improving agricultural infrastructure on each of the farms.