Job satisfaction in the field–Discovery Channel

In 2007, the residents of Cocorná were forcibly displaced due to armed conflict. In response, FEST (Families on Their Land) emerged as a government initiative to holistically support those who, as victims of displacement, chose to return voluntarily and rebuild their lives.

A decade later, the Antioqueños returned with renewed determination, launching projects and associations that transitioned from artisanal to agro-industrial ventures. For years, violence left Cocorná uninhabited, but today, its residents have returned with a strong desire to reclaim their homes and lands. They established an association that enables direct sales to consumers, evolving from small-scale artisanal production to more advanced agro-industrial practices.

FEST plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic stabilization of households affected by forced displacement, fostering human and social capital, ensuring food security, improving living conditions, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

In 2016, Social Prosperity and Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) implemented complementary projects to strengthen community-led initiatives. These efforts encompassed health, education, housing, sanitation, and food security. Through rigorous intervention, ongoing support, and strategic alliances, these initiatives have contributed to lasting success for over a decade.