Laying the foundations for growth

Some 55 per cent of Colombians live below the poverty line. For many dependent on the land to make a living, it is a continual challenge to produce enough to survive.

Oxfam works with small-scale producers in Colombia to help improve farming methods and gain better access to markets to sell their produce.

How Oxfam is helping

Through our Oxfam Unwrapped gift catalogue we have distributed chickens to hundreds of Colombian women. Each woman receives a brood of laying hens and training in how to manage and look after them.

  The eggs that the hens lay are a good source of nourishment for the community. All the women and even the tiniest children go out to feed the hens; it's a joy to have so many hens and to know that food is not lacking.

Brigida González - Community leader, San José de Apartadó

Oxfam's other work in Colombia

• Campaigning to Make Trade Fair
• Supporting people who have been displaced by conflict

Oxfam's work in Colombia in depth

ECHO (Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission) is a funding partner of Oxfam in Colombia