Empowering resettlement: productive projects for self-sufficiency

April 3, 2025. One of the most challenging aspects of the resettlement process is supporting communities achieve economic self-sufficiency while also contributing to local development. In addition to the hectare of land provided within the compensation package for each of the families, and the seed capital and technical support for the establishment of an income generation project, Cerrejón has continued to support productive projects that have enabled resettled communities to enhance their income and sustainability while strengthening local production chains.

Currently, there are 75individual family livelihood projects fully operational, which were given seed capital as part of the compensation package. In addition, since 2020 Cerrejón has supported six collective income generation projects, providing training and technical assistance to community associations benefitting over 80 families from the five resettlements.

• Papaya production project in Las Casitas: a family from Las Casitas created the association FRUTBA and have developed a classification and packaging plant across two hectares of land provided by Cerrejón as part of the resettlement compensation package. This project currently sells 22 tons of papayas monthly through a partnership with the company Fructicol. In addition to the land, Cerrejón also provides the water irrigation system for the crops as well as technical assistance. 
• Las Casitas and Roche bakery project: This initiative is led by 27 women that are currently preparing to launch the pilot production, with plans to market their baked goods through a contract with Sodexo, a company that supplies meals to Cerrejón employees.
• Patilla and Chancleta agricultural and livestock initiatives:  15 families are developing projects focused on food production to supply the livestock developed in the region. In addition to providing economic resources, Cerrejón provides training through a partnership the National Learning Service of Colombia (SENA) enabling them to adapt their project to changing market needs.
• Chancleta corn silo project: 14 families have launched a project plant, harvest, process, store and sell corn. Cerrejón has contributed by providing seed capital and in-kind donations including a tractor and tools. 
• Tamaquito laying hen project: the 31 families from this community have implemented a project aiming to raise 1,600 laying hens by 2025 to strengthen community food security and income generation. The project had an initial investment from Cerrejón and support in the construction of the infrastructure required.

Patilla and Las Casitas nursery project: four families from Patilla established a plant nursery project to supply plants for the Cerrejón land rehabilitation program. Cerrejón provided technical training and donated production elements. 

With a focus on sustainability and resiliency, Cerrejón continues to work together with resettled communities to drive economic progress, strengthen self-sufficiency, and improve the quality of life.