16
The research identified that there are key forms of training that can be delivered
to provide communities and human settlements with more sustainable livelihood
options. This was the case in both case study locations. Community training needs
to be implemented according to gender and context variables. For example, participants feel there is a potential for dressmaking training for females in both regions.
Funded by a Canadian company, some women in Risaralda are learning about and
participating in dressmaking. This initiative has the potential to create sustainable
value for the company and the community itself. Women are currently designing and
making company and school uniforms, so creating a valuable supply chain for the
local economy. A similar initiative is taking place in Antioquia; however, active corporate engagement is needed. Women from Segovia, Antioquia, have obtained some
funding from the government, but there is minimal support from the large- scale mining companies, so the initiative is under threat. Other women more actively involved
in the small-scale mining sector have been partially engaged in community capacitybuilding initiatives in mining, but this is limiting their possibilities to further expand
their livelihood options beyond mining. In this context, women need to become
active participants and benefit from a range of training in both case study locations.
In addition, small-scale miners participating in existing community capacitybuilding in mining need to be trained in other areas different from mineral processing. Lessons can be learned from the current small-scale licensing process in
Antioquia. This process involves community capacity-building in areas like finance,
accounting, administration and literacy. However, this community capacity- building
approach should not be exclusive for small-scale miners but should be applied to the
broader community. Key findings also show that there are other forms of training
that are being delivered to the whole community, particularly in Risaralda, and that
need to be enhanced and replicated in other resource regions in Colombia. For
example, training in jewellery design not only adds value to mineral extraction but
creates alternative livelihoods for locals. Similarly, major attention needs to be paid
to existing agriculture community associations. Agriculture is a key sector in
Colombia’s economy, and so stakeholders, particularly the private sector, should
support agriculture-based livelihood options. Companies operating in Risaralda
contribute to fostering both the mining and agriculture sectors. This approach has
assisted locals in keeping their traditional skills and knowledge alive. For example,
coffee and blackberry production training has been provided by the private sector in
the Risaralda case.
2.3.1.4 Sustainable Livelihood Strategies Component
The assets available or stock of capital at the community level can be accumulated,
restored, exchanged or put to work to generate income and prevent poverty. Or they
can be depleted. The transformation of assets in any of these positive forms constitutes the livelihood strategies in the light of the SLF. Such strategies are more likely
to be effective if communities become active participants in their own development.
However, this argument needs to be examined carefully, as communities might not
I. B. Franco and J. Minnery
The research identified that there are key forms of training that can be delivered
to provide communities and human settlements with more sustainable livelihood
options. This was the case in both case study locations. Community training needs
to be implemented according to gender and context variables. For example, participants feel there is a potential for dressmaking training for females in both regions.
Funded by a Canadian company, some women in Risaralda are learning about and
participating in dressmaking. This initiative has the potential to create sustainable
value for the company and the community itself. Women are currently designing and
making company and school uniforms, so creating a valuable supply chain for the
local economy. A similar initiative is taking place in Antioquia; however, active corporate engagement is needed. Women from Segovia, Antioquia, have obtained some
funding from the government, but there is minimal support from the large- scale mining companies, so the initiative is under threat. Other women more actively involved
in the small-scale mining sector have been partially engaged in community capacitybuilding initiatives in mining, but this is limiting their possibilities to further expand
their livelihood options beyond mining. In this context, women need to become
active participants and benefit from a range of training in both case study locations.
In addition, small-scale miners participating in existing community capacitybuilding in mining need to be trained in other areas different from mineral processing. Lessons can be learned from the current small-scale licensing process in
Antioquia. This process involves community capacity-building in areas like finance,
accounting, administration and literacy. However, this community capacity- building
approach should not be exclusive for small-scale miners but should be applied to the
broader community. Key findings also show that there are other forms of training
that are being delivered to the whole community, particularly in Risaralda, and that
need to be enhanced and replicated in other resource regions in Colombia. For
example, training in jewellery design not only adds value to mineral extraction but
creates alternative livelihoods for locals. Similarly, major attention needs to be paid
to existing agriculture community associations. Agriculture is a key sector in
Colombia’s economy, and so stakeholders, particularly the private sector, should
support agriculture-based livelihood options. Companies operating in Risaralda
contribute to fostering both the mining and agriculture sectors. This approach has
assisted locals in keeping their traditional skills and knowledge alive. For example,
coffee and blackberry production training has been provided by the private sector in
the Risaralda case.
2.3.1.4 Sustainable Livelihood Strategies Component
The assets available or stock of capital at the community level can be accumulated,
restored, exchanged or put to work to generate income and prevent poverty. Or they
can be depleted. The transformation of assets in any of these positive forms constitutes the livelihood strategies in the light of the SLF. Such strategies are more likely
to be effective if communities become active participants in their own development.
However, this argument needs to be examined carefully, as communities might not
I. B. Franco and J. Minnery