Progresar+: Strengthening the economic autonomy and climatic resilience of women and young agricultural entrepreneurs in Colombia and Ecuador

In Colombia and Ecuador, women and young agroentrepreneurs, particularly those from rural, indigenous, and vulnerable communities, face considerable challenges in their struggle to access the financial resources and tools needed to adapt to climate change. Agriculture, a vital sector for these populations, is increasingly affected by extreme weather events. 

In response to these challenges, we are very proud to announce the launch of Progresar+, the new project we will carry out in Colombia and Ecuador with financial support from Global Affairs Canada and in collaboration with Conservation International and several local partners, including the Environment Department and several private sector organizations. 

With Progresar+, we will combine our efforts to strengthen climate resilience and improve the economic well-being of women and young agroentrepreneurs in the Amazon regions of the two target countries. We will do this by encouraging the introduction of climate-smart agroforestry solutions and strengthening the governance and financial capacities of target communities, particularly those from indigenous ethnic minorities.

An inclusive approach to climate adaptation

We aim to increase the capacity to adapt to climate change among:

• 6,000 women and young people from indigenous communities
• 250 members of producer associations
• 150 public sector employees.

To achieve this, our interventions will address several of the barriers that hinder the empowerment of target clienteles:

• We will support partner financial institutions in integrating climate and gender criteria into their lending practices, giving target clients better access to financing: essential leverage for adopting more sustainable and climate-smart agricultural and forestry practices.
• We will offer women and young people training in agroforestry, natural resource management, and climate-adapted techniques to encourage the adoption of nature-based solutions that promote biodiversity and the protection of forest ecosystems.
• We will support them in strengthening their leadership and financial management skills.
• And we will engage public institutions, such as the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, to ensure that national climate change and climate finance policies address the specific needs of vulnerable populations.

Innovative climate financing schemes, for a more resilient and equitable future

With a duration of five years, Progresar+ will receive CAD 16.3 million in funding from Global Affairs Canada, to which CAD 10.9 million will be added by DID and its local partners. This innovative blended climate finance approach will support the creation of cooperatives and investment in green businesses to strengthen agroforestry value chains, promote Amazonian forest conservation, ensure a just and inclusive transition, and empower women and youth economically in the context of the climate crisis. 

Through this project, we will give women and young agroentrepreneurs the tools and decision-making power they need to actively participate in building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for their community and country, by contributing to inclusive economic growth, increased food security, local capacity building, and environmental protection.