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

Indigenous Amazonian collector and entrepreneur Katia Silene Tonkyre, the first woman cacique of her village, will receive IICA’s “Soul of Rurality” award, which recognizes Leaders of Rurality of the Americas

The award is part of an initiative of the agency specializing in agricultural and rural development to recognize men and women who are leaving a mark and making a difference in rural areas of the Americas.

Andrea Ballestero, a Uruguayan artisanal fisherwoman who has blazed a trail in this traditionally male occupation, has been named an IICA Leader of Rurality of the Americas

The Leaders of Rurality of the Americas award pays tribute to those who are playing a unique dual role, both as guarantors of food and nutritional security, as well as custodians of the planet’s biodiversity, by producing under all manner of circumstances.

Yessica Yana, an indigenous woman who operates a drone that makes agriculture in the Bolivian Altiplano more efficient, named a “Leader of Rurality” by IICA

Yana grew up in Villa Puni, a small community in the department of La Paz, on the shores of Lake Titicaca and more than 3800 meters above sea level. Most of the people who live there engage in fishing and the production of crops such as potatoes, quinoa, broad beans and barley, despite having to contend with the poor quality of soils in the area.

Rosamund Benn, a coconut oil producer who encourages other rural women in Guyana to process and market their crops, recognized as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas by IICA

Benn will receive the “Soul of Rurality” award, which is part of an initiative to recognize the men and women who are leaving their mark and making a difference in the rural areas of the Americas.

Marilyn Hershey, a rural leader who strives to be a voice for U.S. dairy farmers, is named IICA Leader of Rurality of the Americas

Hershey is the first woman to have been appointed to her current position as Chair of Dairy Management Inc., the association of United States dairy farmers that has spearheaded a promotional, research and educational program on the sector to encourage greater milk consumption in the country. It is funded by farmers and the industry.

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