Urupagua Project: the agroecological route of the conucos

About 11 percent of Venezuelans live in rural areas, and in those areas more than 50 per cent of the population is poor where the poorest segments of the rural population include indigenous and Afro-descendant communities (1).  

One of the main problems that are latent in the community is the problem of young farmers who abandon the countryside, ending the ancestral tradition of planting conucos to go to big cities in search of employment and better life opportunities. According to the literature, the net migration from the countryside to the city is more than half (almost two thirds in the case of women) of the urban youth population growth (2). This phenomenon is explained by the living conditions of young people in rural areas, where higher levels of poverty, lower educational achievements, less institutionalized jobs, difficulties accessing productive assets(2).  

In this context we developed the Urupagua Project, to support the younger generations of Curimagua through the agroecological route of the conucos where we will encourage the connection between urban and rural communities in northern South America to stimulate sustainable connection with nature and human relationships with deep social and environmental meaning. With 3,204 inhabitants, 81.46% of Afro-descendant roots and historically marginalized (INE 2023), the hard-working and hospitable coffee-growing and conuco-growing population of the town of Curimagua opens its arms to welcome visitors and make them feel at home.

In this initiative we propose the development of an ecotourism route where young generations will have the opportunity to undertake, generate income and give them the opportunity to economically lift this community to be sustainable over time and at the same time promoting the conservation of local biodiversity and cultural heritage.

(1) Nigeria, I. F. A. D. (2013). Enabling poor rural people to overcome poverty. International Fund for Agricultural Development Report, Rome, Italy, 33.

(2) Guiskin, M., Yanes, P., & Del Castillo Negrete, M. (2019). The rural youth situation in Latin America and the Caribbean [Research Series 59]. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

(3) ECLAC. 2008. Juventud y cohesión social en Iberoamérica: Un modelo para armar. Santiago: United Nations.

Among mountains and cloud forests in the northern part of South America is Curimagua, the land of the Urupagua (Metteniusa nucifera), a fruit endemic to this region.

Curimagua is a town that feels like your own home; with abundant nature, generous peasant families and conucos: an ancestral agroecological system that protects the native forest and local varieties of crops such as caraota and pigeon pea.

Urupagua Project is an initiative whose purpose is to generate socio-environmental value through ecotourism, sustainable agriculture and the conservation of local biodiversity, while promoting the economic development of local families. The young farmers of the Curimagua community through the conucos agroecological route are the guardians of these ecological trails where the visitor will connect with nature, share with local families, achieving a satisfactory experience of personal well-being with a deep social and environmental significance. 

The conuco is an ancestral system that dates back centuries, whose tradition comes from ancient indigenous and african peoples and that the inhabitants of the Curimagua community have carried from generation to generation, which makes it part of their cultural identity. Conuco systems fulfill a basic function: providing food security to a family group and being a means of subsistence for local families.

These initiative aim to achieve a resilient agroecological community, through recreational, educational, scientific and artistic activities that help conserve biodiversity and local and regional cultural heritage besides to promote social change in this historically marginalized community.

In this increasingly urbanized world, we believe in a young future in the countryside.

Young farmers and their families are the main beneficiaries, since the agroecological route of the conucos is an opportunity to generate economic income and undertake in the countryside to improve their quality of life and encourage the development of the community, generating a positive socio-environmental impact.

In the past, farmers in the community received support from private companies and the Venezuelan state through the granting of credits, training workshops, agricultural advice or support to obtain work tools such as shovels, machetes, seeds or rubber boots. However, they currently do not have any type of support, which has harmed their performance and production in recent years, adding to this the difficult economic situation that the country has gone through in recent years.

This route for agroecological tourism, a pioneer in Venezuela and northern South America, means the transformation of relationships between the visitor and the inhabitants of a historically marginalized Afro-descendant community and guardian of an immense variety of indigenous crops and the cloud forest. It also means a direct source of income for peasant families, for the Curimagua basic school and for the conservation of local biodiversity and conservation of the cloud forest.

This project currently has the support of the Curimagua community through inhabitants of the El Carmen, La Cañada, Guayapa, La Sabana, Santiago and Trapichito sectors of this town, where there are collaborators with immediate availability to activate the logistical adaptation tasks. and launch of the conucos route.

In this initiative we work to achieve the UN sustainable goals for 2030 on reducing inequality within the country and we promote action against climate change, inclusive and sustainable development opportunities and encourage innovation, specifically in emerging markets of the region towards a green economy.

Part of my roots and that of the other members of the team are in the Sierra de San Luis (Curimagua) where we have shared since childhood with family and friends who are part of this thriving and hard-working community of rural farming families. The dedication and noble commitment of these communities to the cultivation of the land alongside the conservation of the typical flora and fauna of the region has served as an example of life and an inspiration to work for solutions that integrate the care of nature. and human satisfaction.

On the other hand, the farming families of the community are also part of our team for community action, since they are the ones who will be the guides and protectors of the agroecological path that will bring great benefits for their social and economic benefit. Many of these families have been there for generations and carry a conglomeration of traditions, culture, cuisine, festivities and local knowledge that they are eager to share with visitors.

Additionally, other members of our team are environmentalists, conservationists, scientists and academics who find great passion for work in the countryside, nature, social entrepreneurship and community development, which is why they have developed strong ties with this flourishing community. 

We have been working on this solution for 1 year, where during April to August of last year we were looking for funds for financing. After September to November we dedicated ourselves to the exploration phase where we collected information through surveys, interviews and informal conversations to learn about the needs and opportunities of the community. Then, during the months of December to February we implemented the contextualization phase, where based on the information obtained, we discussed it with local families and began to prepare the guides of the agrocological route with training workshops and to prepare the community leaders. who will be the guides and protectors of the route. Since March of this year, we are in the action phase, we launched our website and social media, and we are drawing up the interpretive trails, the signage and actually the launch of the agroecological route of the conucos.

This initiative means for me the opportunity to learn by improving my skills in different areas such as leadership, to become an agent of change who can work successfully for the benefit of the community. I would also like to enhance my knowledge in business development, in better ways to encourage the development of communities, in capital management and everything related to entrepreneurship.

I would love to be part of the Solve network to have opportunities for collaboration, creation of alliances, having learning tools and partnerships that will allow me and my team to grow to work positively on the inclusion of the community through young entrepreneurship in the countryside.

Finally, I am sure that Solve will be a great alliance to gain visibility in the world of entrepreneurship and social projects that will allow us to grow and obtain tools that will allow us to improve and be sustainable over time.

Urupagua Project stands out for its innovation on several fronts.Its comprehensive approach combines ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and the conservation of local biodiversity. This integration of strategies addresses the socio-environmental challenges faced by the Curimagua community in a holistic manner.

What further distinguishes this project is its use of ancestral knowledge, such as the conuco system, an agroecological practice passed down through generations. Incorporating traditional methods not only preserves cultural heritage but also showcases the effectiveness of these indigenous and african approaches in sustainable food production and responsible land use.

Moreover, the project is community-centric, empowering its members to become stewards of their own environment and economic development. By involving young farmers and fostering community participation, a sense of ownership is cultivated, ensuring initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the community.

A standout feature of the project is its aspiration to bring about social change in a traditional farmer community by providing opportunities for education, recreation, and cultural exchange, inclusivity, empowerment, and resilience are promoted among community members.

Urupagua Project distinguishes itself through its multifaceted approach, integration of traditional knowledge, community-centered focus, and aspiration for comprehensive socio-environmental transformation.

The project conducts various activities such as promoting ecotourism, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and conserving local biodiversity. These actions result in tangible outputs like the establishment of ecotourism trails, adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques, and organization of community workshops.

These immediate outputs translate into short-term changes such as increased awareness about biodiversity conservation, improved agricultural productivity, and a greater sense of community. By enhancing agricultural practices and promoting ecotourism, the project creates new income sources for local families, reducing their dependence on activities that may harm the environment.

These short-term changes, in turn, contribute to long-term outcomes such as greater economic stability, environmental sustainability, and cultural and community resilience. By strengthening livelihoods, preserving natural resources, and fostering cultural resilience, the project aims to leave a lasting impact on the Curimagua community.

The theory of change of Urupagua Project is supported by various sources of evidence, including previous research conducted by our team, and data collected through interviews and surveys with the community. With this evidence-based and great theory of change, Urupagua Project seeks to generate a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of the Curimagua community.

Our impact goals for Urupagua Project are centered around creating sustainable development and positive transformation within the Curimagua community. We aim to achieve the following impact goals:

1. Economic Empowerment: Our goal is to improve the economic well-being of local families by creating new sources of income through ecotourism and sustainable agriculture. We measure progress towards this goal by tracking indicators such as household income levels, the number of jobs created within the community, and revenue generated from ecotourism activities.

2. Environmental Sustainability: We strive to promote environmental conservation and sustainability by implementing agroecological practices and preserving local biodiversity. Progress towards this goal is measured through indicators such as the adoption of sustainable farming techniques, the area of land under conservation, and the abundance of native species within the project area.

3. Community Resilience: We seek to enhance the resilience of the Curimagua community by fostering social cohesion, cultural pride, and local ownership of resources. Progress towards this goal is monitored through indicators such as community participation in decision-making processes, levels of social capital, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

4. Education and Awareness: We aim to increase awareness and knowledge among community members about environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and cultural heritage. Progress towards this goal is assessed through indicators such as participation rates in educational workshops and events, changes in attitudes towards environmental stewardship, and the adoption of traditional knowledge practices.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we use a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Quantitative data includes metrics such as income levels, job creation, land area under conservation, and biodiversity indices. Qualitative data includes community feedback, observations, and stories of change gathered through interviews and focus group discussions.

Additionally, we align our impact goals with relevant indicators from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being.  

Conucos, besides being an ancestral practice for soil ecological management, have the potential to be a powerful educational tool for future generations of farmers. As we move forward, we envision teaching young farmers in Curimagua and beyond how to harness their traditional knowledge with modern and sustainable techniques.

An integral part of this educational approach involves creating digital markets through mobile phone applications. These applications could serve as platforms to connect local farmers with consumers, facilitating the direct sale of fresh and sustainable agricultural products. By leveraging digital technology, we not only promote the local economy but also foster transparency in the supply chain and provide access to broader markets.

Furthermore, conucos are not only something that can be replicated in local agricultural practices but can also be a learning experience for visitors. Through ecotourism programs and environmental education, we plan to educate visitors about the importance of agroecology and sustainable soil management. Guided tours of the conucos will allow visitors to learn about crop diversity, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation in a hands-on and participatory environment.

In addition to their intrinsic value as an agricultural practice, conucos represent an opportunity to educate future generations of agriculturists, create digital markets for local agricultural products, and offer educational and enriching experiences for visitors interested in agroecology and sustainability.

Our team is made up of 16 people, where 3 work full time, 4 work part time as community leaders and logistics agents, 5 are community leaders and 4 are volunteers and external advisors.

Our team has worked on this project for a year where we have had several achievements that have led to the next launch of the pilot of this initiative.

Our team comprises a team of 16 people who have different backgrounds and we work for the inclusion of this community. 

We work with men, women, young people, adults, seniors, professionals with extensive experience in different areas such as environmental, scientific, artistic, farmers, people from the community who some have managed to finish their studies and others have not so we are a community really diverse.

Our team seeks to create a synergy where we can all learn together by exchanging technical knowledge with local knowledge in order to provide a pleasant experience to the visitor and at the same time that visitors of any type of race, sexual preference, religion or belief who visit us, not only tourists, but one of the community. 

At the Urupagua project we are a family and we are open to receiving anyone who wants to work to achieve a better world.

Urupagua Project operates under a social business model that aims to provide value to the communities of Curimagua in terms of both impact and revenue sustainability.

Our beneficiaries are: 1) Local Community: the primary beneficiaries of the project are the residents of Curimagua. They benefit from increased economic opportunities through ecotourism and sustainable agriculture initiatives, improved environmental conservation efforts, and enhanced community resilience. 2) Visitors, people interested in ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and cultural experiences who are looking authentic and immersive experiences that allow them to connect with nature, learn about traditional farming practices, and contribute to community development.

The services we offer are:

Ecotourism Experiences: we offer guided ecotours through the natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites of Curimagua. These experiences include visits to conucos, hiking trails, birdwatching excursions, and cultural exchanges with local families.

Community Engagement:  we offer community events that serve as platforms for sharing traditional knowledge, celebrating cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable living practices.

We will collaborate with local community, organizations, tourism operators, and educational institutions to deliver ecotourism experiences, workshops, and events.We also invest in capacity building and training for local guides, young farmers and community leaders to ensure the quality of the agroecological route. Besides that, we will look for promotion through marketing in social pedia platforms, future partnerships and organizations to  attract visitors to Curimagua.

People are looking for authentic and immersive experiences that allow them to have a deep social impact and mutual opportunities between them and the community. They will have the opportunity to become an ambassador and other member of the community learning traditional practices as the conuco, sharing their traditions, culinary, ancient knowledge contributing positively to the well-being of local community and the environment.

Urupagua Project's business model is centered around providing value to both the local community and visitors through ecotourism experiences, sustainable agriculture workshops, and community engagement events that promote environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment in Curimagua.

The financial sustainability of Urupagua Project is essential for its medium and long-term success and impact. Our plan for financial sustainability encompasses a combination of revenue streams that cover our expected expenses and enable us to continue delivering value to our beneficiaries. 

We generate income through ecotourism experiences, including guided tours, accommodation bookings, and cultural exchanges. Visitors will pay fees for participating in these experiences, which contribute to our operational costs and community development initiatives. 

We are looking to create strategic partnerships and alliances with accommodation places and transportation groups to facilitate the attraction and security of visitors to the area. 

Also, we are exploring additional revenue streams such as merchandise sales from local families through local culinary and sweets, natural medicines that may be a community brand to generate incomes. 

We actively seek donations and grants from philanthropic organizations, foundations, and government agencies that support our mission and objectives that will be used to finance specific projects, initiatives, and operational expenses. 

Our financial sustainability plan combines various revenue streams to cover our operational expenses and support our impact-driven initiatives. Through prudent financial management and planning, we aim to ensure the long-term viability and effectiveness of Urupagua Project in creating positive change for the community and the environment.