Five leaders in local food production
In the Cuban countryside, where growing food is both a necessity and a development strategy, rural women are transforming the agrifood system.
With the training, support and technology provided by the ALASS project, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and UNDP, with financing from the European Union, Cuban women are creating more sustainable, healthy and equitable local food networks by developing small-scale livestock farming and growing fruit and vegetables.
Leydi, Bellita, Marlene, Caridad and Diosmara are some of the powerful women feeding Cuba.
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‘Don’t be afraid, women!’
Leydi, Small-scale livestock farmer at finca Cacique in Placetas
When Leydi and her husband bought their farm it was covered with sickle bush, an invasive tree species. They didn’t have any animals or water. “Little by little,” Leydi says, “by pouring love into it, we built this place up.”
The Cacique farm is in Placetas municipality and has become a hotspot for the ALASS project. By incorporating technology and taking part in training programmes, Leydi has managed to diversify and increase her livestock production. Her land is now vibrant and productive, alive with sheep, goats and rabbits.
As she feeds the rabbits, she mentions that everyone who works on the farm is part of the family and that they all perform different jobs irrespective of their gender. Leydi acknowledges that she’s had to learn to do everything. “I’m pretty daring,” she says, and her smile reflects the confidence she’s acquired over the years.
When it comes to the challenges of rural life, she is unequivocal. “The advice I’d give to other women is that you can do it. Don’t be afraid, women!”
Leydi is proud of what she has built with her bare hands, alongside her family. “I love getting up in the morning and seeing the fruit of so much hard work.”
‘Confidence is my best outfit’
Delfina (Bellita), President of the Popular Council of Remate de Ariosa in Remedios
Her name is Delfina, but everyone calls her Bellita. Raised in a family that valued hard work and resilience, she completed a nursing degree and went on to work in several hospitals. She returned to Remate de Ariosa, in Remedios municipality, where she was elected president of the local government body, the Popular Council, a position she has held for 23 years. She walks through the town every day, listening to residents’ concerns and working on solutions.
One of the projects that Bellita is most proud of is “Mujeres con Alas [Women with Wings]”, a group of women farmers that she coordinates. The group emerged from a clear need: “Some women depended too heavily on their husbands.”
READ MORE: https://stories.undp.org/women-feeding-cuba
