The Community-Based Monitoring and Assurance System (CMAS) project, a collaborative initiative between the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) and local member organization Fundación Natura, and funded by the Tinker Foundation, is revolutionizing sustainable agriculture in Planadas, Tolima, Colombia. Designed to empower smallholder coffee farmers, CMAS adopts an innovative, community-driven approach to monitoring and reporting on sustainable agricultural practices.
Addressing the Sustainability Standards Paradox
Smallholder farmers are the backbone of global food production, yet they often face barriers to meeting sustainability standards due to high certification costs. This challenge—dubbed the “Sustainability Standards Paradox”—is precisely what CMAS seeks to address. By creating a participatory platform, the project enables farming communities to document and meet sustainability requirements more effectively, thereby improving their access to responsible global supply chains.
Building Community Capacity
In its initial phase, CMAS engages selected communities in social mapping to demonstrate how individual farming practices impact the broader landscape. Community monitors are chosen and receive comprehensive training in areas such as:
Non-violent communication
Use of mobile devices and internet tools
Data collection methodologies
Conducting agronomic field observations
Linking agricultural practices to landscape sustainability
This training equips monitors with the skills needed to gather reliable data and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Innovative Tools and Methodologies
CMAS integrates cutting-edge tools like SAN’s iHub platform, which enables real-time data collection on critical agricultural practices, including soil management, regenerative agriculture, and risk assessment. Collaboration with Fundación Natura includes exchange visits and ideation workshops that refine data collection methods and provide monitors with practical tools to enhance their work.
Through peer-to-peer exchanges during plot-by-plot visits, producers receive actionable feedback on sustainable practices. A color-coded system helps farmers visually assess their plots’ status and develop tailored action plans, fostering a hands-on and iterative approach to improvement.
Enhancing Organizational Decision-Making
The benefits of CMAS extend beyond individual producers to the organizations they belong to. Reliable data supports informed decision-making, enabling organizations to mitigate risks proactively and prevent market losses. The system also identifies common challenges in specific regions, paving the way for targeted educational initiatives and resource campaigns to improve farming conditions.
Tangible Impact and Future Goals
To date, CMAS has engaged 322 farmers and four producer associations, creating a robust network of sustainability advocates. Despite challenges like prolonged harvest seasons and regional security concerns, the project has fostered trust and accountability within the community. By empowering local monitors and enhancing agricultural practices, CMAS aligns with broader environmental and socioeconomic objectives.
As the project progresses, it aspires to become a cornerstone for community-led, sustainable agriculture in rural Colombia. CMAS serves as a powerful example of how participatory systems can drive positive change, offering a replicable model for similar initiatives worldwide.
For more information about the CMAS project and SAN’s work in sustainable agriculture, visit the CMAS page here.