Fighting poverty, violence and climate change
Indigenous communities in Baja Verapaz, Zacapa and Jalapa in Guatemala are threatened by poverty, violence and land conflicts. In addition, climatic changes such as droughts are affecting local agriculture, which is the livelihood of most families. Monocultures and the use of chemicals in agriculture also have long-term negative effects on soil quality and yields.
Together with our local partner organisation, Utz Che', we are helping families to adapt their agriculture to the effects of climate change in order to secure their food supply in the long term. Utz Che' is a network of 43 indigenous and farming community organisations. The organisation is committed to the protection of natural resources, democratic participation and the restoration of cultural identity.
At Utz Che', we strive every day to strengthen the capacity of our partner organizations and create communities that are more resilient to climate change. We focus on developing livelihoods and environmentally friendly production practices by using local traditional knowledge and technologies. Our goal is to produce healthy food, create decent jobs, empower women and involve them equally in all our activities
Yovani Alvarado, Director of the Guatemalan partner organization Utz Che'
The project combines food security with climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and gender equality:
- Climate change adaptation: To counter the effects of climate change, we are focusing on switching to organic farming, using seed banks to grow more resistant crops and controlling pests with organic fertilizers. Families are also given water tanks to collect rainwater for targeted irrigation.We also train community members in the farmer-to-farmer method to enable effective and environmentally friendly use of the fields.
- Disaster risk reduction: We support the communities in developing disaster prevention measures by working with local and national disaster management authorities. Workshops on risk management and optimising the use of natural resources are intended to prepare communities for reducing risks due to climate change.
- Gender equality: We are committed to promoting gender equality. Women should be actively involved in production and sales processes. Furthermore, they are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge of income management through financial workshops to promote their financial independence.
Together with Utz Che', we are helping families to secure their food supply in the face of climate change.
To achieve this, we promote sustainable farming practices and train community members in organic farming.
There is a special focus on indigenous women, such as those who belong to the Q'eqchi' Maya group.
The women process and market their harvest together, thus securing their own income.
Projectinfo
| Place/Region | Salamá und Rabinal/Baja Verapaz, Zapaca/Zacapa, San Pedro Pinula/Jalapa |
|---|---|
| Partner | Utz Che’ Asociación de Forestería Comunitaria de Guatemala (Verband der kommunalen Forstwirtschaft Guatemala) |
| Target group | Indigenous communities in the Dry Corridor of Guatemala. Special emphasis is placed on single mothers, widows, divorcees and people with disabilities. A total of 1,415 people will be reached. |
| Activities |
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| Duration | 01.09.2023 – 31.12.2025 |
| Budget | 320.000€ |
| Sponsor | Aktion Deutschland hilft (ADH), WDR christmas campaign 2022 |
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