Peacebuilding can take many forms but what role can research play in the process? UEA DEV explores how research with communities in Colombia led to grassroots peacebuilding that continues to grow.

In South Tolima, Colombia, communities living through decades of conflict have worked with researchers from UEA’s School of Global Development, the University of Ibagué and Eureka Educativa to reimagine what peace looks like from the grassroots.

Using a participatory Transformative Action Research (TAR) approach, more than 100 co-researchers – including coffee producers, women’s networks, youth associations and environmental groups – co-produced knowledge and reshaped the meaning of peacebuilding in everyday life.

One powerful outcome was led by the women’s group Asomeht, who revitalised a traditional dress as a symbol of dignity and cultural memory. This act of creativity became a catalyst for stronger networks, activism, and the founding of a new Community Culture Centre in Herrera.

From embroidery to farming practices, communities showed that peace can be woven into daily life. Research became not just about peace, but for peace – strengthening dignity, human capacities, and social ties.

The work continues with the exhibition The Pluriverse of Peace in Action, opening in Bogotá this November, and through the book Pluriverse of Peace in Tolima.

Read more and explore the tools: www.pluriversodepazentolima.net

This research was led by Iokiñe Rodriguez, Cristina Sala, Teresa Armijos and Ulrike Theuerkauf from the School of Global Development, John Jairo Uribe, Nohora Barros, Santiago Padilla, Monica Alvarez and Maria del Pilar Salamanca University of Ibagué and Monica Lozano, Daniela Montana, Rodrigo Parra and Mario Mendoza from Eureka Educativa.

This research was funded by UKRI, Newton Fund and MinCiencias.