ConDev partners in El Salvador completed a project to help reduce youth violence and gang involvement in several communities by getting urban youth involved in hydroponic gardening, leadership workshops, social inclusion events, and nutrition interventions.

Partners:  Food for the Poor; New Horizons for the Poor Foundation; CHINAMPA Center for Agricultural Innovation and  Education; The Conflict and Development Foundation.

During the past three years, the program’s innovative nutritional approach engaged youth and families in food security activities—using hydroponic gardens to produce leafy vegetables—and promoted participation in violence prevention programs.

Partners reported that at as a result of this program, 60 young people have moved away from crime associated with gang activity. 

Youth acquired social skills through agriculture and leadership training programs. The project was held in six communities. Results included increased participation in community activities and decreased polarization with respect to neighboring communities. Another result of this program was the establishment of Human Rights Committees in four communities.

Teenagers that participated in youth leadership workshops addressed important topics such as gender equality, violence, physical integrity and abuse by police/military authorities. Food security interventions through hydroponic gardens continued to provide an alternative to violence in the target communities.

You may find the Final Report below: 

Food for the Poor (2018). Youth Violence in El Salvador: Evaluating the Impact of an Agricultural and Nutritional Innovation in Reduction and Involvement in Gangs. Final Report. A report for the Conflict and Development Foundation. Florida, USA.