SDG 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms. After the implementation of the PS, there was a 15% drop in multidimensional poverty in Cerrito from 2018 to 2021. Fifty artisans formalized their documentation through the management of a day of renewal of artisans’ licensing with the Paraguayan Institute of Crafts (IPA). Regarding SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, and SDG 12, which seeks to guarantee sustainable consumption and production patterns, the Cerrito Initiative managed to install 122 organic gardens for sale and self-consumption and improve the supply of water and develop models of healthy kitchens. The goal of SDG 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The families participating in the Cerrito Initiative increased their access to health services by 25%, while there was a 42% increase in the use of contraceptive methods, thanks to the workshops on sexual and reproductive education.

RESILIENCE, ADAPTABILITY, AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY

This initiative was born out of a need to help indigenous and local communities displaced by the effects of deforestation and rapidly expanding agriculture. FP seeks to empower these communities to devise their own nature-based solutions to the problems confronting them. Members of the communities were empowered by means of evaluating their multidimensional poverty status, identifying their challenges, and developing effective strategies to tackle those challenges. To improve living conditions, our goal is to empower communities by fostering confidence and capability in the implementation of their plans. Additionally, we provided them with valuable resources such as business planning tools, best practices, and data analysis skills to enhance their overall success.

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

Cerrito Initiative seeks integration of all members in different activities as part of a social management system that is promoted within the community. The framework is designed to facilitate various activities aimed at promoting sustainable development and uplifting the community. Members of the community accessed a flexible savings system tailored to their specific needs. This system enabled them to save money and plan ahead, thereby improving their financial security and overall well-being. To promote and market local craftsmanship, artisans are encouraged to participate in large-scale exhibitions providing them with a platform to showcase their unique creations to a wider audience. The promotion of products preserves the culture and generates income and livelihood opportunities for the locals. This initiative bolsters the sense of community, leveraging access to essential services such as healthcare, water, and sanitation. FP has worked to mitigate health and sanitary detriments through workshops on the subject of household cleaning and hygiene. There are several factors that create barriers to an adequate learning system for the members of the community, such as the QOM language. A dictionary (Guaraní-Spanish-Qom-English) was developed with the support of the Peace Corps, as well as a phone app featuring this dictionary. The Cerrito Initiative promotes the technological, socio-environmental and economic inclusion of small family farms in the lower Chaco.

GENDER EQUALITY

FP has promoted different strategies to expand the involvement of women within the Cerrito Initiative as well as to empower them. The productive activities of women were strengthened and promoted, and an emphasis was placed in the importance of collaboration among women. Tools employed in the Cerrito Initiative have received special attention in regards to gender equality (e.g. usage of appropriate wording, visual materials and content that position women as active actors). Mentors who work with the families received comprehensive training to adequately respond and handle the different problems that may arise due to gender inequality. An empowerment and personal development program for women was implemented, which included talks and workshops on violence prevention, leadership and self-esteem, women’s rights and sex education.