Institutionalization of FONTIERRAS’ Methodology of Action

Its primary focus is on providing access to land for poor, rural, and indigenous families, while contributing to the sustainable development of rural agrarian communities. FONTIERRAS operates in 26 agrarian communities, where it addresses the Food Security crisis affecting these areas. The institution requested assistance from USAID's Policy Regulatory Support for Economic Growth (PRS) Project to increase its effectiveness and impact on food and nutritional security, as well as integrated rural development. The PRS project collaborated with FONTIERRAS to develop and conduct a Nutritional Food Security diagnostic survey. This survey focused on human, economic, social, and natural capital, and provided a baseline for all 26 communities. The results of the survey are available on the FONTIERRAS website and will be updated annually. The diagnostic survey led to the development of an effective methodology for creating participatory community action plans. This methodology aims to improve food and nutritional security in the agrarian communities assisted by FONTIERRAS. With support from FONTIERRAS, the methodology facilitates communities' decision-making and monitoring of action plans. The methodology consists of three steps: diagnosis, baseline, and plan of action, which are now an institutionalized methodology used by FONTIERRAS in all agricultural communities at the national level. On November 4, 2014, FONTIERRAS issued Management Resolution 139-2014, which instructs Agrarian Communities Management (DCAS) to use the methodology developed with the support of the PRS project in all regional offices and agricultural communities. Training for FONTIERRAS staff on how to use the methodology took place on November 6, 2014. The success of this partnership between FONTIERRAS and the PRS project can be attributed to several factors, including leadership and genuine commitment from FONTIERRAS management, the existence of experienced teams that aligned with the institutional vision and mission, and the flexibility and immersion of the PRS Project throughout the process. The institutionalization of the methodology developed with the support of the PRS project is a significant step towards achieving integral rural development in the agrarian communities assisted by FONTIERRAS. The methodology provides a framework for communities to diagnose their needs, establish a baseline, and develop action plans to improve food and nutritional security. With the support of FONTIERRAS and the PRS project, the agrarian communities are better equipped to address the Food Security crisis and achieve sustainable development.