Bulletin # 14, April 2020

This digital platform enabled 60 dairy farmers to receive training in genetic improvement of dairy cattle. The Colanta Educa platform served as a valuable communication instrument, facilitating the delivery of technical assistance to agricultural producers in a time of social distancing. In a separate development, the Association for the Development and Economic Growth of Human Talent (ASDECRETH), a women's producer association from Caucasia, Antioquia, achieved a significant milestone. The association sold the first production of 13.8 tons of dried cassava to the Colanta concentrate plant. This achievement marked the first of seven women's producer associations in the region to successfully implement the production and processing of industrial cassava, aiming to establish a sustainable livelihood through this productive activity. To ensure the health and safety of producers and technical assistants, Colanta implemented a comprehensive protocol to prevent COVID-19 contagion. Personal protective items, including face masks, gloves, detergents, and antibacterial gels, were distributed among individuals involved in fieldwork for cassava and milk production. This proactive measure demonstrated Colanta's commitment to protecting its stakeholders during the pandemic. The Colanta Educa platform also facilitated virtual training for producers, enabling them to continue receiving technical assistance despite the social distancing measures. This innovative approach allowed producers to access critical knowledge and skills, ultimately contributing to their success in the face of the pandemic. The collaboration between Colanta and ASDECRETH has yielded positive outcomes, with the association's first production of dried cassava marking a significant step towards establishing a sustainable livelihood for women producers in the region. The success of this initiative serves as a model for other producer associations, highlighting the potential for innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.