Abstract

In the mountains of Antioquia the internal conflict of Colombia affected for decades the local communities. Small-scale farmers of the region were surrounded by bombings, shootings and other war related crimes and violence. Growing coca was almost the only way to survive due to the remote location and lack of opportunities. Just a decade ago in the Eastern highlands, the war ended and paramilitary and guerrilla groups left the region. Nowadays thanks to several social and environmental projects there is hope within the communities and more and more displaced farmers return to their lands. During the last decade chocolate has become important as an alternative crop for farmers and regions involved in Coca production. To help small-scale farmers to leave the illegal plantations and integrate them again into society several programs by the European Union and the United Nations invested in infrastructure of the rural area of the Eastern Antioquia and trained farmers and the local communities in sustainable agriculture.

This unique day-trip takes you deep into the Eastern highlands of Antioquia. Visit a community run cacao project, sponsored by the United Nations to support the local farmers to leave illegal coca crops. The artisanal chocolate production is coordinated by local women and combines the conservation of endemic tropical forests and sustainable agriculture. Meet local farmers and learn everything about cacao plantation while getting an understanding of the conflict`s history and the lives of the local communities and small-scale farmers during the long years of civil war and support their new perspectives and support directly local farmer families