Agromandala

In the heart of Colombia, amidst the undulating landscapes, emerges Agromandala—a circular crop that transcends mere agriculture, embodying a harmonious symphony with nature. Since its inception in 2014, Agromandala has evolved into a testament of ecological principles, cultivating a vibrant tapestry of trees, shrubs, flowers, grains, and medicinal plants. Spanning 13 hectares, this circular haven thrives on the ethos of agroecology, aiming to reestablish a corridor of fauna and flora vitality between two forest relicts. 

At the core of Agromandala's ethos lies the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, a groundbreaking initiative born in August 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovative approach ensures a direct link between local organic farms and families invested in the well-being of their food sources. With over 150 varieties of edible plants, the project currently feeds around 80 families a week, of which 40 are members of the CSA.

The inception of CSA Agromandala, the first of its kind in Colombia, catalyzed the creation of the CSA Colombia Network. These communities are not merely transactions; they are spaces of knowledge exchange, recipe sharing, and profound relationships between farmers and co-farmers, bridging the gap between the countryside and the city.

At its core, and a key to its strength and success, Agromandala is a project nurtured and led by women, empowering rural women with a voice, decision-making power, and tangible action. The circular design of Agromandala serves as a sanctuary for women to propose nurturing actions through diverse crops, ancestral seeds, and the defence of territory and life. The challenges faced by Agromandala, particularly on the commercial front, underscore the need for alternatives that prioritize diversity and community well-being over market-driven monocultures.

The role of CSAs extends beyond providing fresh produce; it becomes a force for forest conservation and biodiversity. By promoting ecological, diverse, and regenerative farming practices, CSAs like Agromandala contribute to the fight against the climate crisis. The intimate connection between the cultivation area and the community ensures reduced carbon footprints, while ecological practices foster resilience to environmental challenges. Agromandala puts in every action the affectivity and care of the feminine subjectivity, from a team of women who recognize the importance of revaluing practices and feelings to contribute to the healing of the world.

As Agromandala envisions a future where CSAs scale to public policies, the focus remains on forming a collective response—an alliance of citizens and rural communities shaping the society they aspire to be. Agromandala serves not only as a source of sustenance but as a living testament to the transformative power of individuals coming together, one community at a time, to create a world where care for the land, biodiversity, and each other reign supreme.