Facilitating spaces for co-creating microfinance models in conservation areas

As part of the project of the conservation of dry forests, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Fondo Patrimonio Natural we were asked to explore the microfinance practices of a local region in... [ view full abstract ]

As part of the project of the conservation of dry forests, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Fondo Patrimonio Natural we were asked to explore the microfinance practices of a local region in Colombia to define a microfinance model that would help them engage in sustainable practices. Together with seven master's degree students in Design, we traveled to Natagaima, Tolima to spend a week with the inhabitants of Yaví and Pocharco. During the exploration, we used different participatory design tools, such as social cartography and generative sessions. The design team presented three proposals. Trust and solidarity inspired the first one. The second one was a network of local producers that were able to access to information about offer and demand for their products, as well as the reputation of the buyer. The third one is a saving and investment system using animals.