Colombia^^Korea
Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia
SPCSDCC
Rehabilitation of the Agricultural Technical Institute and Capacity Building for Low-Carbon Agricultural Extension in Paipa, Colombia
1. Current Social and Economic Situation Related to the Project (Geographic Region and Beneficiaries)
○ The target country, Colombia, represents one of the largest consumer markets in Latin America, following Brazil and Mexico.
○ As of 2025, Colombia is a major upper-middle-income country in the region, with a GDP per capita of approximately USD 8,250, an economic growth rate of around 2.6%, and an unemployment rate of about 8.9%, indicating a gradual economic recovery.
○ In particular, economic growth in 2025 has been driven by the recovery of domestic demand, accompanied by improvements in employment indicators. The unemployment rate has reached one of the lowest levels in recent decades, reflecting improving labor market conditions.
○ However, despite a gradual decline in poverty rates, poverty remains relatively high in rural areas, among low-education households, and within informal labor sectors. Structural disparities between regions and socio-economic groups persist.
○ The project’s target area, Paipa in Boyacá Department, is an agriculture-centered region with a strong production base of crops such as potatoes, maize, barley, beans, and fruits, making it a suitable hub for agricultural technical education and field-level dissemination.
○ Direct beneficiaries are students, faculty, and practicum participants of the Paipa Agricultural Technical Education Institute, while indirect beneficiaries include local farmers, cooperatives, and other agriculture-related stakeholders.
2. Problem Statement and Critical Issues to be Addressed by the Project
○ The key problem this Project seeks to address is the declining functionality of agricultural technical education institutions and the limited capacity for disseminating agricultural technologies to local farmers.
○ In Colombia, significant disparities in poverty levels and access to services persist in rural areas. Although agriculture remains a critical sector, there is a continued need to improve productivity and transition toward sustainability.
○ In particular, as the importance of climate change response and the transition to low-carbon agriculture increases, a major challenge lies in the insufficient availability of practical agricultural extension services, education, and training infrastructure applicable at the field level.
○ The Project will address these issues by revitalizing the education institution to simultaneously promote the dissemination of low-carbon agricultural technologies, strengthen the capacity of local farmers, and enhance rural income and agricultural productivity.
3. Objectives
○ To revitalize the agricultural technical education institute in Paipa, Colombia, and restore its functions as a hub for agricultural education, practical training, and technology dissemination.
○ To strengthen education and field-level extension on low-carbon agricultural technologies for local farmers and students, thereby establishing a foundation for climate-resilient agricultural transformation.
○ To establish a collaborative framework among local farmers, educational institutions, cooperatives, and local governments to promote the dissemination of low-carbon agricultural technologies and sustainable rural development.