Soul of Rurality

IICA’s recognition of the Leaders of Rurality of the Americas is part of an initiative that seeks to turn the spotlight on men and women who are leaving their mark and making a difference in the rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean.

It pays tribute to those who play an unparalleled dual role: as guarantors of food and nutritional security and as caretakers of the planet’s biodiversity. It also emphasizes their capacity to drive positive changes in the rural areas of the region. For all these reasons, these individuals are the Soul of Rurality.

Leaders of Rurality of the Americas

Mexican agronomist Gabriela Lucas Deecke to receive IICA award for efforts to improve the quality of life of vulnerable rural populations

In 2011 Gabriela knew she wanted to devote her life to training family farmers on how to produce abundant, healthy and nutritious foods for their families and communities. As a result, she founded the CIASPE, an organization aimed at strengthening the self-management capabilities and resilience of small-scale farmers—and particularly female leaders.

Brazilian farmer Simone Silotti to receive IICA “Leaders of Rurality” award for initiative that connects farmers and organizations working to feed at-risk population

“Do an incredible good” connects small farmers and organizations working with at-risk populations. It has already prevented 200 tons of food waste and benefited more than 100 farmers.

Trinidadian advocate of resilient agriculture to feed the Caribbean will receive the IICA “Leaders of Rurality” award

With research and patience, Roop has learned to adapt to climate change, becoming an expert in soil care and natural resource management.

Chilean farmer and advocate of inclusive, integrative agriculture, Alfredo Carrasco, to receive IICA “Leaders of Rurality” award

In 2017, Carrasco suffered a serious accident that forced him to reinvent himself at a very young age. Today, the 25-year-old has forged a new path through FarmHability, an inclusive project that promotes sustainable, integrative agriculture.

Elvia Monzón, cooperative member and coffee producer from Guatemala, to receive IICA “Leaders of Rurality” award

The award is part of an initiative by the specialized agency in rural and agricultural development to recognize the men and women who are leaving their mark and making a difference in the rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean.

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