Havana, Cuba – September 20, 2025
In the heart of Havana’s La Timba neighborhood, a small start-up is redefining urban agriculture and community engagement. Enparalelo, founded by architect Oliesky Fabre, grows nutrient-rich microgreens in refurbished shipping containers, turning a modest urban lot into a hub of innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
From Balcony to Urban Farm
The journey of Enparalelo began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Fabre sought to create a local, resilient food source amidst the challenges of the global health crisis. What started as a personal endeavor on his balcony has blossomed into a recognized model for sustainable urban farming. In 2022, Enparalelo received a prestigious award from the UN World Food Programme, ranking among the top 10 projects in Latin America and the Caribbean for innovative solutions addressing hunger and food insecurity.
Sustainable Practices in Action
Operating from two mobile containers, Enparalelo produces microgreens such as radish, arugula, and mustard greens. These are supplied to upscale restaurants across Havana, providing a fresh, local alternative to imported produce. The start-up not only addresses food security but also generates economic opportunities in one of the city’s most underserved areas.
Beyond its commercial operations, Enparalelo has a strong community-focused mission. A second container functions as a mobile classroom, where local residents learn how to cultivate microgreens. Participants receive seeds, materials, and guidance to either sell their produce back to Enparalelo, sell locally, or use it for personal consumption. This model empowers community members, fosters entrepreneurship, and strengthens local food sovereignty.
Enparalelo also emphasizes sustainability and innovation. The containers are designed to optimize limited urban space, reduce water usage, and minimize the environmental footprint of farming. This approach illustrates how small-scale urban initiatives can simultaneously address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Expansion and Future Goals
Looking ahead, Enparalelo plans to expand operations by constructing a larger production facility on land donated by the local government. The expansion will boost production capacity, improve nutritional access for the wider community, and create training opportunities for aspiring urban farmers across Havana.
Experts say Enparalelo’s model could serve as a blueprint for other Latin American cities facing urban food insecurity. By integrating modern agricultural techniques with social impact programs, the start-up is sowing the seeds for a more resilient and self-sufficient urban future.
Enparalelo stands as an example of how innovation, sustainability, and community engagement can converge to create meaningful change. Its success is a testament to the potential of urban agriculture to transform not only food systems but also the lives of those it serves.
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