This practice supports the integration of migrant populations in rural areas of the Sierra de Béjar and Guijuelo regions, in Salamanca, Spain. Led by the Asociación Salmantina de Agricultura y Montaña (ASAM), the initiative has evolved since 1986 from a rural development and international cooperation programme into a key actor in social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable groups, such as migrants and women.
Its main goal is to assist individuals at risk of social exclusion by offering support in employment, self-employment, social economy initiatives in agriculture and livestock, family garden networks, housing, and settlement of new residents. It also offers workshops on digital skills, new technologies, and agricultural practices to boost employability.
A key innovation is its personalised approach, tailoring support to individual needs and circumstances, particularly valuable in rural areas with limited services. This approach is complemented by a strong solidarity network, where locals and migrants share resources and help one another, fostering community cohesion and preventing social segregation.
The practice also places a strong emphasis on empowering migrant women, promoting their social and professional inclusion through entrepreneurship, skills development, and active economic participation. Family gardens and social economy projects not only generate income but also support sustainability in the region.