Adding to basket
Jesús, 68, is married with 10 children. He was born and raised in the countryside, where he learned about farm work from his father. However, he was displaced 35 years ago due to violence. Along with his wife and children, he left his native town, leaving behind everything they had worked so hard to achieve.
They settled down in another town, Antioquia, where they arrived in search of new opportunities to start over. After difficult work on various farms, he managed to get his own home, where he has 40 avocado trees and crops of corn and arracacha (a root vegetable). The harvests are sold in the town marketplace. With this work, he earns enough to cover his family's needs. Jesús says that his age does not prevent him from doing what he likes. He is constantly active and taking care of his crops, because this is his source of income. During some seasons, he has the support of a daily laborer.
He has applied for a loan to continue caring for his crops. He will invest this loan in the purchase of manure, an irrigation system, fungicides, fertilizer, and pesticides, which are necessary for a good-quality harvest. He will sell his products at a better price, thus increasing his income. Jesús hopes that his business grows in the short term, especially his avocado crops. He will then have more resources to enjoy better financial conditions and a better quality of life, giving him a peaceful old age alongside his wife.
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Amy Volz. View original language description.
