Communities in Costa Rica working to transform their agri-food systems

Costa Rica is at a crossroads: inequality and food insecurity remain significant challenges. In 2023, the Gini Index reached a concerning 50.2%, indicating a high level of inequality that particularly affects the most vulnerable communities, especially in rural cantons such as Buenos Aires (southern region) and Guatuso (northern region). Furthermore, UNICEF data reveals that “two out of every three girls and boys do not receive the minimum necessary food for healthy growth,” further exacerbating the situation.

The joint programme "Empowering Communities in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems" is an initiative supported by the Joint SDG Fund and led by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Costa Rica. Its implementation is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This programme will improve agricultural practices and dietary habits among participants, promoting more sustainable production methods while building capacities and empowering individuals, ensuring that their voices and knowledge are part of the change.

Agri-food systems are fundamental to improving the quality of life in rural communities. They encompass everything from production to consumption, ensuring that each stage contributes to reducing food loss and waste. Moreover, they foster an environment where families can adopt healthy diets and appropriate eating habits to prevent malnutrition and combat climate change.

The programme seeks to raise awareness of the need for a variety of nutritious foods to be available and accessible to people, prioritizing local production and educating children and their families on how to make more sustainable and healthier choices. This creates a virtuous cycle that strengthens nutrition, well-being, and community resilience.

In Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, Álvaro Cordero, alongside his son José and grandson Ian, cultivates a family plot that represents much more than a livelihood. “We have been growing vegetables for many years,” he proudly stated, while his grandson played at harvesting beside him. These stories demonstrate how knowledge is passed down through generations, ensuring a lasting impact.

Women's Empowerment: Agents of Change

Women, who have historically faced barriers to accessing productive resources, are at the heart of this transformation. Maritza Cortés, a poultry farmer from Guatuso, recalls how her life changed thanks to the knowledge she has gained through the programme.

“Recently, people from the Institute for Rural Development (INDER) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) visited me and provided support, which has helped me make improvements. We have already bought more hens and feeders, and the goal is to improve and expand the henhouse.”

For Maritza, the programme is not just about technical tools but also about hope and autonomy.

The programme provides tools that strengthen women's participation in decision-making within their productive activities, enhancing their leadership in the community. This not only improves the quality of the food produced and consumed but also ensures that present and future generations grow up in a more equitable environment, recognizing the transformative role women play in agriculture.

Children and adolescents also play a crucial role in this initiative. The programme fosters healthy eating habits early on, connecting children with the production process and the environment. These actions not only impact their current health, but also instill lifelong awareness.

A Global Call Inspired by Local Action

This joint programme would not be possible without partnerships with local institutions and the support of donors. Led by United Nations agencies, in collaboration with MAG, the Ministry of Health, and local municipalities, this programme unites efforts to ensure that communities take center stage in their development.

Sylvia Chaves, the programme coordinator, explains: “Every story we hear, every producer, every woman, and every child we meet in Buenos Aires and Guatuso teaches us about the vital task of producing fresh, healthy food at a time when agricultural work has been in decline. They also speak to us of conviction, love, and perseverance in achieving sustainable agri-food systems, reminding us of the country's transformative power of rural communities.”

What is happening in these two cantons is a testament to the power of communities to lead their own vision of development, working alongside local governments and institutions that share the same goal. With the support of international cooperation, this initiative demonstrates how the SDGs can become a reality.

This programme not only seeks to end hunger and promote sustainability but also to inspire. With every seed planted and every piece of knowledge shared, people are cultivating more than just food—they are cultivating hope, resilience, and a better future, ensuring that no one is left behind.

All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.