The most striking feature of this initiative is the focus on understanding local practices and trying to optimize them rather than changing what is being done.  I wonder if a toolbox of sorts could be created of basic interventions that could then be integrated seamlessly into different contexts.

La Guajira is the homeland of an indigenous people known as the Wayúu, one of the largest and strongest tribes with a population of around 700,000 people. Their homeland grazing grounds span more than 17,000km2 between Colombia and Venezuela. La Guajira has a characteristic ecosystem all of its own, with wet and dry seasons that can alternate between flash floods and long droughts. The Wayúu have adapted to these extremes by migrating between the borders of the two countries.

However, concern is rising about the inadequate nutritional status of the Wayúu, despite improved food availability and information about eating habits. This is thought to be due to their transformation from a relatively mobile pastoral community to one of individual vegetable farmers, wood cutters, and ranchers living in family groupings. The proportion of sedentary people has risen and continues to do so.

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To help improve the situation, a joint venture coal mining operation called Cerrejón – developed between Anglo American, Glencore Xstrata and BHP Billiton – established four Foundations in 2008 to act as an umbrella for Cerrejón’s sustainability initiatives in the region. Through the Cerrejón Foundation for Indigenous Guajira, a support programme for Wayúu food autonomy was created. Since 2009 it has produced nearly 150 tonnes of native foodstuff which has benefited 160 Wayúu communities along an area spanning over 150km.

An experimental farm is home to the Foundation’s work in food security programs that promote sustainable agricultural practice. Taking traditional methods, the Foundation staff work hand in hand with the communities, understanding their own techniques and promoting the optimal way of combining these with more effective agricultural practices.

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Other practices including the breeding of local goats with more sturdy alpine or Israeli breeds that are adapted to similar harsh conditions, but have better meat and milk production than local flocks. Another example is the optimal rotation of crops and the efficient use of drip feed systems and composting practices.

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The Foundation’s work has demonstrated how targeted initiatives that work together with local knowledge and traditional practices can give positive results. The ultimate aim is for these communities to be able to preserve their cultures and customs, with minimal intervention and the greatest returns for generations to come.

http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/food-insecurity-malnutrition-colombia