Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) is supporting Fraternidad de Presbiteriales Mayas with a three-year agriculture and livelihoods project in four municipalities of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Food insecurity issues are persistent in these municipalities due to poor land quality on farms that are already too small. Soil quality has suffered as a result of overexploited hillsides and monoculture corn production. Harvests have been poor in recent years and the targeted households have not been able to provide sufficient food for their families. Hurricanes and the Covid-19 pandemic have further exacerbated the situation. Acute and chronic malnutrition increased to over 80% in recent years.
In response to these issues, the partner will work with 20 groups of women to diversify and improve access to and consumption of good quality and nutritious food at all times. They will promote sustainable agricultural techniques, livestock improvement and more sustainable forestry production practices, all using an agroecological approach.
Over three years, the project aims to work with 400 indigenous female farmers and their households (3,200 individuals).