Background:

Family farming is a practice that makes it possible for the population to obtain food and income while contributing to the food security of their region.

Objective:

To understand the significance and uses that the inhabit¬ants of a rural settlement, located in the Chigorodó municipality in the Department of Antioquia, place on the food they grow.

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative study, based on focused ethnography, in which data were collected via active observation, semi-structured interviews administered to 14 participants, and property mapping. The data were transcribed, read and coded. Significant aspects and data relationships were identified. Preliminary and emergent categories were consolidated and the results were validated with the participants.

Results:

Among the reasons for growing food, the following stand out: vocation, tradition, and need to support one’s family. Additionally, living in the countryside is associated with happiness, tranquility and health. The most common types of food produced are: plantain, mango, lime, coconut and guava. In addition, they also raise animals. Household use the foods and products they cultivate for food, cosmetics, medicine, and cleaning. Outside the household these products are sold and traded. Further¬more, people express diverse knowledge on the medicinal and cosmetic uses of plants as well as on how to grow them.

Conclusions:

Growing food contributes to the food security of these households and their family economy. Likewise, the leading role of women is highlighted in this activity. Finally, a diverse body of everyday knowledge was observed in this study.

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