Advancing community-led regenerative agriculture in Colombia
Colombia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, home to nearly 10% of the Earth’s plant and animal species. In the Orinoquía and Amazon regions, smallholder farming communities cultivate cacao, coffee, and livestock in landscapes rich in biodiversity, including iconic species like the scarlet ibis, jaguars, and tapirs.
In Colombia’s post-conflict context, expanding agriculture and unsustainable practices are placing growing pressure on ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. At the same time, farmers lack access to trusted guidance, and extension systems remain limited in their ability to support regenerative practices.
Through community-led solutions, Rare works with farming communities and municipal governments to advance regenerative agriculture, protect biodiversity, strengthen food security and livelihoods, advance gender equity, and build climate-resilient futures.
Strengthening community leadership in regenerative agriculture
Rare works with extension agents and smallholder farmers to build local leadership and support communities to lead change. We train and support a growing network of trusted local leaders — known as “Profes” — who teach regenerative farming practices. Through this peer-to-peer model, farmers learn from one another, rebuild trust, shift social norms, and adopt practices that strengthen livelihoods, restore soil health, and protect the ecosystems they depend on.
Rare works with mayors and municipal leaders through a first-of-its-kind network spanning 18+ municipalities to advance regenerative agriculture, strengthen food security, and align local development with environmental protection across Colombia.
Agent Tierra is an AI-powered virtual extension agent, developed in collaboration with Salesforce, that helps smallholder farmers access trusted, locally relevant guidance for regenerative agriculture. By providing real-time support, it complements extension systems and peer learning, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices, strengthen livelihoods, and restore their land.
The Rare approach to community-led conservation
We work with communities to lead conservation and build the conditions that help it last.
This includes strengthening leadership, livelihoods, and local systems, while connecting communities to the policies and finance that support long-term impact.
Designing solutions that work for people and nature
We design solutions grounded in how people make decisions and act. We work with communities to align new practices with local priorities, social norms, and daily realities — and use tools and technology to support adoption, learning, and scaling.
Strengthening local leadership and alignment
We bring together mayors, municipal authorities, and local institutions to align agriculture with environmental protection. Through initiatives like the Mayors’ Network — uniting 18 municipalities — local governments share knowledge, coordinate action, and integrate regenerative practices into local priorities and decision-making.
Expanding access to finance for communities
We connect communities to financial tools and opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and help them adapt to environmental and economic change.
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Rare Partners in Colombia
Rare works with a wide range of partners in Colombia. This sampling of past and present donors and partners includes UKPACT, The Coca Cola Foundation, Republica de Colombia, The Nature Conservancy, Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Agrosavia, UNAD (Universidad Abierta a Distancia de Colombia), Universidad de la Amazonía, Universidad de Pamplona, Universidad de los Andes, Salesforce, Meta governor’s Office ( Environmental, Agriculture, Social projects), Caquetá governor’s Office ( Environmental, Agriculture, Social projects), Seguros Bolívar and ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario), Mayor Offices, Cormacarena (Environmental Authority), Universidad de los Llanos (UniLlanos), BioCarbon Fund
We are grateful to the partners and supporters whose collaboration makes our work possible.
Partner with us
Healthy ecosystems and food security depend on strong partnerships and community leadership.
If you are interested in partnering with Rare in Colombia or regenerative agriculture, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Us
For more information on Rare’s work in Honduras, please contact us at info.landsforlife@rare.org.
