Contribute to guaranteeing the right to food of the vulnerable rural population of the Kaqchikel ethnic group in Joya Grande, Guatemala, by generating new sources of income and strengthening their participation rights

The project aims to reduce poverty, which affects 83% of the mostly indigenous population of Joya Grande, by generating resilience through technological improvements that increase productivity, access to nutritious local food, and training and empowerment.

Supporting the sustainability of agricultural production systems in one of the most depressed geographical areas of Guatemala will contribute to increasing and improving production for domestic self-sufficiency and the sale of surpluses. This will also reduce the high rates of malnutrition (61.54%), especially among Kaqchikel children, which has a negative impact on their health and affects their equal access to their rights.

This productive support, under a focus on rights and respect for cultural diversity, will have a broad training component based on adaptation to the context, local language, knowledge and skills, respect for the environment and the fight against climate change. This training will also focus on administrative and management issues, so that the community can become autonomous in its sales vis-à-vis intermediaries, to the benefit of the producers.

On the other hand, the medical-nutritional days, training in nutritional issues, good hygienic practices (both with food and personal hygiene) and interactive workshops with an eminently participatory and practical approach are aimed at behavioural changes, which will benefit the most vulnerable population: children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.

Given the importance of empowering the indigenous women of Joya Grande and contributing to resolving the gender inequalities present in the area, also focusing on a culture of peace respectful of indigenous traditions, special emphasis will be placed on training women in their rights, particularly in terms of participation and decision-making at the community level, such as the Boards of Directors.