Through the “Organic Agriculture: An Investment for a Sustainable Future” project, the Asociación de Desarrollo Económico y Social Santa Marta (ADES) seeks to strengthen the organizational structures in Cabañas’ communities.

Participating in the process are close to twelve organizations- women’s organizations, local water committees, and community development associations that represent communities from the municipalities of Victoria and Guacotecti.

Lila Alvarenga, part of ADES's Technical Team, and in charge of the development of this process, suggests that in a survey filled out by the participating organizations, she has found a series of voids, which ADES is looking to strengthen with this process.

“Incomplete community councils, lack of commitment to the founding documents, and an absence of legal representation, are some of the same weaknesses that the community organizations recognized,” said Alvarenga.

In that sense, she adds, it’s important that as an institution we accompany them so that they can work to improve their effectiveness in their communities, because these organizations, comprised of campesinas and campesinos, are of the utmost importance to community life.