Read WhyHunger’s latest Food Justice Voices story, ACOPAMO: A Matrilineal Cooperative in El Salvador.
Agropecuaria y Servicios Múltiples Mujeres Obrajuelences (ACOPAMO) is a women-led Indigenous cooperative reclaiming ancestral agroecological practices to nourish their communities, preserve cultural traditions, and build collective power. Formed in 2019 by women farmers in southern El Salvador, ACOPAMO grows corn, beans, pigs, chickens, tilapia, Ayote, loroco, maicillo, and chilipuca while defending food sovereignty in the face of climate change, corporate agriculture, and displacement.
At the heart of their story is a deep connection to the land, the seeds, and each other. As member Sayra Díaz Rivera explains: “We sew our seeds with love and joy. The world changes. But we know our ancestors had a huge perspective about how we connect with nature.”
Through seed saving, cooperative farming, and knowledge-sharing, ACOPAMO is creating a refuge where families can thrive and future generations can inherit both land and legacy.
“We are using this land to build something for future generations. This farm has helped us embrace our own value.”
— Mary Magdalena Hernández
In a time when monocropping and land grabs threaten small farmers across Central America, ACOPAMO’s story is one of resistance, resilience, and hope.
Read the full story in English and in Spanish and celebrate the women of ACOPAMO.
WhyHunger’s Food Justice Voices series amplifies the voices and experiences of grassroots leaders that aren’t heard enough, while educating readers on various issues connected to hunger and poverty. Small stipends are provided to our Food Justice Voices authors to honor the expertise and support their work.
