Development of Rural Infrastructure Projects in Colombia

Colombia

The TA aims to support the preparation of two social infrastructure projects in Colombia. The main objective of the Projects to be developed through this TA grant was to enable a regional sustainable food production system to improve the living conditions of 200,000 families in Colombia, in the Departments of Cauca and Nariño. This was achieved through social infrastructure investments to foster local socioeconomic development. The specific objectives of the TA grant were (i) to promote public investment in social infrastructure in Cauca and Nariño and (ii) to strengthen capacity building and governance. Key Outputs: The project focused on improving the conditions of the agricultural sector, in order to consolidate the productive infrastructure, promote socio-economic development, connectivity, innovation, entrepreneurship and productivity of these territories, in line with the Local and National Development Plans. This was done through the promotion of public investment in rural infrastructures, generating capacities for their management and fostering the creation of local economic fabric. The implementation of the project has focused on: • Creation of a space for dialogue and consultation between civil society organisations, the private sector and local authorities for the design of a strategy for investment in social infrastructure and territorial development for the next 5 years; • Social investment projects prioritised and evaluated by establishing criteria of pre-feasibility and economic, technical, social and environmental viability; • Designed a strategy of accompaniment and technical assistance with entrepreneurs, companies and productive organisations linked to investments in social infrastructures, guaranteeing social and economic impacts in the territories". • As a result of strategic activities such as validation and structured dialogue, 45 municipalities in the departments of Cauca (13) and Nariño (22) have prioritised 43 rural infrastructure projects for development and 2 regional projects in Nariño that impact 23 municipalities.