Growing Together
In a rural community in the western highlands of Guatemala, where temperatures can drop below freezing in the winter and water shortages limit agricultural production, a small group of families is demonstrating that knowledge, community organization, and technical support can become powerful tools for combating food insecurity.
With the support of Growing Hope Globally and Church World Service, the Asociación de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Rural de Occidente (CDRO) is walking alongside the community. This partnership has enabled the launch of a project that supports a group of 14 farmers who want to strengthen their knowledge of agroecological agriculture and livestock production.
Families have started to diversify their production systems to increase the availability of healthy food throughout the year without compromising natural resources. New pest management techniques and the installation of worm composters to transform household organic waste into natural fertilizers are helping to build more resilient food systems. “The most important thing is that we are now working together, and we know that we can improve our living conditions,” said Santos, a local farmer.
In addition to growing vegetables, participants have expanded their sheep raising efforts. For many producers, access to technical training has meant learning practices they had never tried before. Topics such as preventive deworming, proper hoof trimming, keeping records of animal births and growth, and genetic management of flocks are helping to improve the health and productivity of their sheep.
Although the project is in its first year, the impact can be seen in farmers like Eusebio, who is working to improve his bean plot, or in German, a young man with a physical disability who, with the help of his mother, Marta, has developed a diversified vegetable garden that helps feed his family. Stories like theirs show that when communities have access to knowledge and support, they can overcome historical barriers and create opportunities for everyone.
Guatemala Western Highlands is led by Church World Service and local partner Asociación de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Rural de Occidente (CDRO)