Macalajau is an indigenous community in Uspantan, Guatemala made up of descendants of the Maya. The beauty of its people and landscapes is in stark contrast to one of the harshest realities in this hemisphere: 1 out of every 2 children in the country is malnourished. America Solidaria is promoting the use of family farms in its fight to change this situation.
Our regional partner is: Habitat for Humanity
Family farms: where the right to better food is sown
Guatemala
Problem
Conditions in Guatemala call for quick action. Almost one half of its children are malnourished. Even though many of them do not face a shortage of food, the lack of diversity in their diet prevents their nutritional needs from being met. This is due to poor nutritional habits and inadequate agricultural practices leading to scant diversity in their diet. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge surrounding the nutritional value of different foods and safe food handling practices. Another important factor is the community’s scarcity of financial resources and the tools to manage them.
Project
The Macalajau community needs to gain skills that will allow them to diversify their diet and manage their own scarce resources more effectively, thereby improving quality of life. At América Solidaria we are working together with the community to create 80 family farms and one community farm for their own consumption. The goal is for the community to be able to grow foods that ensure a highly nutritious and balanced diet and they can generate economic resources starting from their orchards. Training must also be provided in management, agricultural techniques, eating habits, etc.
Beneficiaries
The Macalajau community is made up of 62 families: men, women and children who have been unable to improve their nutrition.
volunteers involved
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"In this country, as in many other countries, human rights were trampled upon and so today poor nutrition remains hidden within society. I began my humanitarian education facing a different reality, a reality that we often do not want to accept, a reality that lurks around us like a ghost but that we must touch to be able to see." Luis Muñoz, Environmental engineer -
"The culture shock was really exciting; different language, different clothes, different foods, different looks. At first I visualized a silent and distrustful community, but I've been revealing their strength, organization, courage and energy." Viviana Muñoz, Community Psychologist