Cultural rescue and financial viability of fique in Yascual

Introduction: the professional practice carried out in the Yascual Indigenous Reserve, in the municipality of Túquerres (Nariño), focused on systematising the experience with the ASOFINYA Women’s Association. The aim of this activity was to assess the financial viability of producing and marketing handicrafts made from fique. The project ran from February to July 2024 and aimed to strengthen accounting and financial capacities in the community. Development: during the experience, relevant information was collected on the economic, social and cultural conditions of the reserve. Financial analysis tools were implemented, such as income projections, break-even point calculations and price estimates. These activities made it possible to establish a model to guide artisans in making informed and sustainable decisions. In addition, work was done to improve traditional craft techniques such as cabuya spinning and dyeing, strengthening cultural identity and rescuing ancestral knowledge. The experience highlighted the economic potential of fique as a local resource and its impact on rural employment generation. Conclusion: systematisation became a key tool for integrating technical knowledge with community knowledge, generating replicable learning. This experience showed that strengthening local capacities, in harmony with culture, promotes economic sustainability and the empowerment of indigenous communities. It was also aligned with SDG 8, by promoting decent work and inclusive development.