SELF-SUSTAINING
ROTARY FARM
We Sow Hope
We Reap Progress
The Self-Sustaining Rotary Farm is a Community Economic Development project led by the Rotary e-Club Colombia Innova in collaboration with the Mama Lina Social Foundation (FUMALI). This project has an estimated duration of 5 years and is aimed at small farmers and their families, directly benefiting around 50 people and indirectly at least 400 more.
The farm covers three (3) hectares of land, where crops and animal husbandry are integrated in a self-sufficient manner and under the principle of circular economy. This allows for the production of most, if not all, of the resources needed to operate efficiently and independently.
With this project, we seek to comprehensively address the needs of the community, promoting sustainable development and improving their quality of life through agricultural activities that will provide the following benefits:
Food security and health
By providing a permanent source of fresh, nutritious, and chemical-free food, benefiting the health of those who consume it.
Promotion of productive autonomy
Especially for young people and women, by managing their own resources sustainably.
Training and education
In sustainable practices (organic farming, hydroponic crops, water management, and responsible animal husbandry).
Environmental conservation
Through ecological and sustainable agricultural and livestock practices that improve the health of the ecosystem.
Economic resilience and poverty reduction
By diversifying sources of income. Farmers can sell the surplus produced and generate additional income for their households.
PLAN FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Production diversification activities for
self-sufficiency
Crops
vegetables, food staples, aromatic and medicinal plants, forage grasses, living fences of fruit trees
Animal husbandry
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Pigs and african sheep (up to the rearing stage) for sale
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Broiler chickens for meat production
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Laying hens for organic egg production
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Butterflies as essential pollinators
Utilization of production surpluses for additional income opportunities
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Sale of fresh and processed products
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Production and sale of dairy products
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Sale of by-products
Reduction of operational costs by utilizing resources and processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste
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Implementation of recycling and composting practices
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Production of forage to feed animals
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Efficient irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting
Comprehensive and ongoing education and training for farmers
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New technologies and sustainable agricultural practices
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Management skills
Community support networks and market access
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Associations of farmers and livestock breeders
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Local markets, shops, and restaurants
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Direct sales to consumers through farmers' markets, fairs, and on-farm sales
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Participation in entrepreneurship, agricultural, and/or gastronomic fairs
Establishment of STRATEGIC Partnerships and Collaborations
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Mama Lina Social Foundation (FUMALI)
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Universidad del Norte (Univoluntarios)
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National Learning Service (SENA) - CampeSENA Program
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The Chamber of Commerce of Barranquilla
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FENALCO - FENALCO Solidarity Program
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Ministry of National Education - School Feeding Program (PAE)
Creation of a
reserve fund
With a portion of the income generated by the project during the grant period to cover unforeseen expenses and ensure its continuity
Continuous monitoring and periodic evaluation plan
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Economic and social impact (economic income, trained farmers, agricultural production, number of jobs created, number of young people and women employed, improvement in the nutrition of children and the elderly)
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Processes (energy efficiency, new technologies, sustainable agricultural practices)