economy
From River Transport to Commerce: How Soplaviento Bongueros Transformed Their Lives
For over 40 years, Fermín Romero Mendoza's life was tied to the river. Since adolescence, he learned the trade of a 'bonguero,' who for decades transported not only people but also food and merchandise through the canal.
TL;DR
- Fermín Romero, a former boatman, transitioned to agricultural commerce with the help of the Soplaviento Avanza program.
- The program, a joint initiative by the Chamber of Commerce of Cartagena and the Government of Bolívar, supported 104 micro-entrepreneurs in Soplaviento.
- Romero's business, 'Ferrome,' focuses on the pre-sale and purchase of agricultural products like corn, cassava, and plantains from local producers.
- He received training in business management, marketing, sales, and food safety, along with financial support of approximately 5 million pesos.
- The shift occurred after the construction of the 'Catalino Parra' bridge, which rendered the traditional bonguero trade obsolete.
- Romero's future goal is to acquire a motocar to transport merchandise independently and expand his business reach.