Guatemala

Traditionally, indigenous people in Guatemala have had significant knowledge about the biodiversity within their own territory. However, government permits to promote genetically enhanced species for greater production have posed a threat to Mayan science and philosophy. Through seed banks, indigenous communities are reclaiming control over seed access, thereby strengthening both their culture and food security. Through The Development Fund's partners, impoverished indigenous people gain access to quality seeds tailored to local conditions and climate, achieved through seed testing at various altitudes and different soil types. There is particularly high demand for seeds that can withstand a hotter and drier climate. Through The Development Fund, small-scale farmers in Guatemala have also joined a larger plant breeding network in Central America to identify the best varieties of maize and beans.

Agriculture is the primary source of income for poor families in rural Guatemala. However, starting to increase income and productivity on their small plots of land can be challenging. A major issue is their lack of access to credit to invest in tools and necessary inputs. Small scale farmers are usually not qualified for loans from national banks, often due to the absence of valid property documents. For farmers who do receive loans, the price they pay for inputs is very high due to exorbitant interest rates. In The Development Fund's projects, we have introduced a green credit scheme, where farmers can take out loans at a lower interest rate in exchange for implementing an environmental measure on their farm or in their community. The farmers pay back the loan after the harvest when they have sold their goods in the market.

To ensure increased income and alternative sources of income, it is necessary for small scale farmers to have better market access, opportunities for increased participation in the entire value chain, and access to credits and business training. Due to a large migration of youth in the region, it is especially important to offer this group new knowledge and real opportunities. The Development Fund's projects include organising farmer cooperatives to strengthen market access, access to microcredits and savings, as well as business training for youth.

There is a prevalent male culture in Central America that leads many women to experience discrimination, violence, and little control over their own bodies. Women also have limited access to education, and many drop out early in elementary school. Early pregnancy is a widespread issue. Although women actively work in agriculture, they often do not have the right to own land. The Development Fund works to strengthen both grassroots organisations and our partners' awareness of gender equality. We strive to integrate a gender equality perspective in the projects that are to be maintained in the organisations' own strategies and regulations. Together with our partner organisations, we strengthen women's groups and women's cooperatives, with leadership training, self-confidence courses, and income-generating activities.

Guatemala is one of the areas in the world most affected by climate change. Extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, floods, and temperature fluctuations are occurring more frequently. In the highlands, new plant diseases are now appearing that previously only occurred in the lowlands. The effects of climate change are exacerbated by ecosystem degradation, mainly deforestation, which increases the risk of landslides and erosion and destroys water sources. Together with partner organisations, The Development Fund strengthens the resilience of communities in Guatemala to climate-related challenges. Through participatory plant breeding, we identify seeds that are resistant to drought, insects, and diseases. By building water tanks, families are able to irrigate during the challenging dry season. Forest planting prevents erosion and preserves water sources. With tight storage silos, the valuable harvest is protected against moisture and rodents, etc. Such measures increase disaster preparedness, strengthen sustainable production systems, and create income opportunities.