In Costa Rica, transforming agri-food systems has moved from theory to practice, particularly in the cantons of Buenos Aires and Guatuso. These areas illustrate how integrated, nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems can enhance diets, strengthen local economies, and advance the human right to adequate, affordable, and accessible food.
Buenos Aires and Guatuso are rich in agricultural potential and cultural heritage, with strong indigenous and rural traditions. However, they face persistent challenges, including social and economic disparities and high levels of malnutrition. In 2020, food insecurity affected 11.76% of households in Buenos Aires and 22.65% in Guatuso, exceeding the national average of 16.42%. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts linking nutrition with sustainable food production, local governance, climate action, and community leadership.
To address these issues, Costa Rica launched the national joint initiative “Empowering Communities in Sustainable Agri-food Systems” in 2025, supported by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by FAO and UNICEF, with the participation of local governments and the Ministries of Agriculture and Health. The initiative, reinforced by the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, engaged around 180 people through training and reached 250 more through awareness activities, aiming to improve governance, sustainable production practices, and dietary habits in the community.
From the start, the program has been community-driven, involving local governments, institutions, and the active participation of women, children, youth, and indigenous peoples in shaping solutions. By strengthening local knowledge, cultural practices, and territorial priorities, the initiative ensures that interventions are relevant and inclusive.
Through targeted capacity-building, families and smallholder farmers have enhanced both productive practices and dietary habits. This approach has reinforced local food supply chains, encouraged the consumption of nutritious local foods, improved nutrition outcomes, and stimulated cantonal economies, while increasing community resilience to ongoing challenges.
