Tour des Ecovillages part 7: Happy Cultura
Off-Grid Living in the Colombian Jungle
- Paso Del Mango, Colombia
- February 7, 2024
Happy cultura a tale of Self-Sufficiency and Hard Work
Nestled in the lush jungles near Minca, northern Colombia, lies a testament to sustainable living – a self-sufficient farm lovingly cultivated by Leo, a Belgian expat, and his family. For over six years, Leo has been carving out a life that’s both deeply connected to nature and impressively self-reliant. As part of our ongoing exploration of regenerative living, we had the privilege of visiting Leo’s farm and witnessing firsthand the challenges and triumphs of off-grid life.
A Tropical Paradise
Leo’s farm is a vibrant tapestry of tropical abundance. The terrain, mostly self-built, boasts a diverse food forest teeming with banana plantations and an array of tropical fruits. Beehives dot the landscape, contributing to the farm’s biodiversity and providing a valuable resource. What’s truly remarkable is Leo’s efficiency in water management and food production – while he still sources some staples like rice and beans externally, the farm provides the majority of the family’s needs.
Beauty Meets Hard Work
While Leo’s achievements are impressive, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the realities of off-grid living. The picturesque surroundings and self-sufficiency come at the price of constant, often grueling, manual labor. Every day brings new challenges, from maintaining the food forest to managing the solar power system with its 10 kilowatt-hour battery.
One of the main hurdles Leo faces is the farm’s remote location. A forgotten tool or a missing component can mean a long drive down treacherous roads to the nearest town. Fortunately, a supportive network of neighbors helps alleviate some of these challenges, embodying the spirit of community often found in such endeavors.
Sustainable Construction
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Leo’s farm is its buildings. Constructed using a technique involving spiraling bags filled with sand or clay, these structures showcase the potential of natural, low-impact building methods. This approach not only reduces the farm’s environmental footprint but also demonstrates how traditional techniques can be adapted for modern sustainable living.
Leo’s commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of farm life. He produces his own soaps and fragrances, selling bars to local hostels at 50 cents each. A recent upgrade to his soap-making process – a 200 euro soap press from Europe – highlights how even small improvements in efficiency can make a significant difference in day-to-day life.
The Paradox of Freedom
Leo’s lifestyle embodies a paradox familiar to many who choose to live off-grid. On one hand, he enjoys a rich life filled with abundance – fresh food, a beautiful home, and a deep connection to nature. On the other, he’s tethered to the constant demands of maintaining this self-sufficient ecosystem. This balance of freedom from conventional systems and dependence on self-created ones is a crucial aspect of off-grid living that often goes unrecognized by those dreaming of escaping the “rat race.”
Family Life and Future Plans
Despite the challenges, Leo’s family seems to thrive in this environment. His daughters appear happy, and even visiting relatives, like Leo’s mother during our visit, seem to enjoy the unique lifestyle. Looking to the future, Leo plans to expand by building additional housing, possibly to accommodate guests or to create educational opportunities.
A Powerful Example for Others
While Leo’s approach aligns with SmartHoods’ vision of a more nature-integrated, self-sufficient lifestyle, it also highlights areas where technology could enhance the off-grid experience. At SmartHoods, we’re particularly interested in how high-tech systems for water harvesting, forest maintenance, and energy management could ease the burden on individuals like Leo, making sustainable living more accessible to a broader range of people.
Leo’s farm is a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and a commitment to sustainable living. It serves as both an inspiration and a reality check for those dreaming of off-grid life. As we continue to explore and develop models for regenerative living, stories like Leo’s provide invaluable insights into the challenges we must address and the potential rewards of living in harmony with nature.
What we like:
- Impressive self-sufficiency through diverse food forests and beekeeping
- Innovative natural building techniques for home construction
- Strong community support among off-grid neighbors
What we learned:
- Off-grid living demands constant labor and problem-solving
- Independence from conventional systems means reliance on self-created ones
