Historical Land Struggle and the Rise of Agro-Food Territories in Colombia

• Colombian peasant communities are securing their land rights and dignity through the formation of 'Agro-Food Territories' (Tecam).
• These territories serve as a defense mechanism against historical displacement, land grabbing by elites, and the ongoing presence of paramilitary groups.
• International solidarity networks, including Redher, are actively supporting these communities through knowledge exchange and political accompaniment.

The Concept of Agro-Food Territories (Tecam)

• Legalized by Decree 780 of 2024, Tecam allows rural communities to formalize collective land tenure for agricultural purposes.
• The model prioritizes environmental protection, water preservation, and dignified peasant life over corporate extractivism and monoculture.
• The National Agrarian Coordinator (CNA) and the Movement of Workers and Peasants of Cesar (MTCC) are key organizers driving this process.

Struggles for Land Tenure

• Many communities, such as those in the La Libertad estate, survived years of displacement by paramilitary forces linked to large landowners and Fedegan.
• After long periods of resistance—including living in the Casacará cemetery for over a year—these groups successfully pressured the National Land Agency (ANT) to grant them titles.
• Despite these victories, communities report ongoing harassment by the private security of multinational firms like Drummond and fears of increased hostility under right-wing political shifts.

Violence and Grassroots Resilience

• Paramilitary influence remains pervasive, particularly in southern Bolívar, where activists report state ineffectiveness and collusion.
• Women are highlighted as the backbone of these movements, providing the "unstoppable force" necessary to survive the most dangerous moments of the conflict.
• Recent violence, including the 2024 assassination of leader Narciso Beleño, underscores the physical risks faced by those organizing for land reform.
• The movement draws strength from international solidarity, connecting with rural and anti-capitalist struggles in Brazil, Guatemala, Portugal, and El Salvador to defend their hard-won gains.