Paula-Ann Award Recipients 2014 Reports on fieldwork Farrah Adam Factors Affecting the Development of the Colombian Organic Agricultural Sector: The Case of Coffee as a Key Ecological Product

Organic agriculture in Colombia has the potential to transform the Colombian agricultural landscape, provide sustainable and dignified livelihoods mainly for small rural growers, peasants and indigenous communities across the nation. These communities are usually located in large rural reserve areas, native forests or in available fallow land. As a tropical country with abundant natural resources, significant biodiversity and microclimates which could be harnessed in a sustainable way, organic agriculture offers a unique opportunity for local, regional and national economic development. It can also contribute to climate change mitigation, food security, a reduction in rural vulnerability and the fostering of social equity. Now more than ever, the conditions of the agricultural sector favour the flourishing of organic agriculture, with the potential to reduce illegal farming activities and violence, and provide the estimated 4.9 million internally-displaced people, as well as rural producers, the chance to strengthen their agricultural activities and have a decent livelihood.