‘10 for 10’ plants a seed of hope near Cerro Matoso

The Indigenous community of Centro América will receive funding to establish a plantation of 10 hectares of cacao – around 9,425 plants – creating an opportunity to produce National Chocolate Company-certified cocoa, and with that, jobs, cultural preservation and economic development. 

As well as being close to Cerro Matoso, the community is near the municipality of Puerto Libertador, an area impacted by the drug trade and violence, fuelled by cultivation of illicit crops such as coca. Opportunities for education and employment can be limited, adding to the problems the community experiences. 

Lina Sánchez, Community Specialist at Cerro Matoso, applied for funding for the farming project, to help the community build a reliable source of income, self-sufficiency and support opportunities for employment. 

“This community initiative is important to me, because it will help change the lives of families in the area, economically, socially and culturally,” Lina said. 

“Cacao has been farmed by Indigenous cultures here for generations, so this project will not only provide a sustainable business opportunity, it will also help to preserve traditional cultural practices for future generations,” she said. 

The ‘10 for 10’ funding will also go towards establishing a crop of plantains, another commodity traditionally farmed in the area, and which can be planted in between crops of cacao. With multiple uses, including as a staple food source and shade for coffee and cocoa plants, the plantain crop will provide further opportunity, generating cash flow for the community. Both crops will be planted on land donated by Cerro Matoso. 

Lina said the funding would help leave a lasting legacy. 

“We’re not just planting cacao and plantains; we’re planting seeds of hope and peace for a brighter future.”