The goal of this project is to reduce rural poverty in the northern part of the country by boosting competitiveness, income and food security for small producers. It will operate in 27 municipalities with high concentrations of rural poverty in the departments of Atlántida, Cortés and Santa Barbara.

Participants include small agricultural producers and artisans who do not belong to any organized groups and have few or no links with markets; rural women, young people and ethnic groups; and poor rural populations that lack social and rural road infrastructure.

The project will offer technical assistance, venture capital and financial services, and create an innovative relationship between participants and the private sector. It will upgrade rural roads, which will facilitate market access for small producers in the zone, and reduce the vulnerability of the communities to environmental degradation. In addition, about 1,000 young women and men will receive training to improve their chances of finding jobs.

Source: IFAD