Co-creation and sustainability: waste transformation and traditional maize recovery in Colombia

Farmers, students, and researchers collaborate through the Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative and the RUSTICA project to revitalize sustainable agriculture in Colombia by recovering ancestral maize varieties and transforming organic waste.

Cover image: Planting of evaluation and regeneration plots of native maize in the village of Bellavista at El Dovio with CAMPAB male and female producers.

Background: In Colombia, CGIAR’s Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative, the Alliance of  Bioversity International and CIAT (Alliance) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in collaboration with the Non-National Environmental Agricultural and Livestock Corporation of Bellavista (CAMPAB), have been carrying out a collective effort to recover ancestral maize and apply organic inputs derived from the repurposing of waste from production units, promoting agrobiodiversity and the circular economy in the municipality of El Dovio in the department of Valle del Cauca.

Recognizing co-creation with the communities as essential for the successful formulation of an actionable work plan that integrates the knowledge and practices of both male and female producers, a space was created for knowledge exchange. In this space, members of the CAMPAB farmers organization shared their vision and experiences regarding the use of organic inputs and the cultural management of maize. During the event, a coordinated work plan was established between the association and the participating research centers, aligning with the set objectives and addressing the needs and expectations of the community.

In this space, key guiding questions were presented to diagnose the current production system. This diagnostic assessment facilitated the collaborative design of an action plan aimed at enhancing skills in transforming farm waste into organic inputs for crops, as well as in the participatory selection of two traditional maize varieties within the territory. The action plan included the establishment of two compost evaluation plots and one regeneration plot for each variety, along with periodic follow-up visits and knowledge exchange throughout the crop cycle. The plots were established on farmers’ properties and at the Matecaña farm of the José María Falla Educational Institution.

The implementation of the work plan started with the collection of soil samples from the three locations designated for the regeneration of native maize seed and the validation of compost as an organic fertilizer.

The analysis results were crucial for understanding soil conditions and determining the appropriate compost dosage for each production unit, tailored to the crop’s nutritional needs, soil characteristics, and the input composition for seed regeneration and evaluation plots.

The demonstration plot was planted by students as part of their Crop Establishment course at the Matecaña farm of the José María Falla Educational Institution. In Bellavista, the planting was led by CAMPAB male and female producers. These plots will evaluate the effect of compost application as an organic fertilizer on crop yields compared to traditional production methods (without fertilization). At the end of the planting, the significance of transforming waste for local production of organic fertilizers was emphasized, along with how technologies such as black soldier fly production, biochar, and compost can be adopted to achieve this. The commitment of the producers and students lies in the cultural management of the crop, supported by the technical assistance of the Alliance and CIMMYT’s professionals.

These activities exemplify how collaboration between the research centers and the local community, represented by the CAMPAB and the José María Falla Educational Institution, can promote the recovery of traditional agricultural practices and the adoption of innovative technologies for sustainable development. The integration of ancestral knowledge with modern circular economy techniques not only promotes agrobiodiversity and sustainability but also strengthens local capacities, encourages generational renewal by motivating young people to engage in farming activities, and empowers producers to tackle contemporary agricultural challenges.