The central and eastern regions are inhabited by people of Mayan and Spanish descent, known as ladinos. The programme participants are the most vulnerable poor rural people in the area, including small farmers, microentrepreneurs, artisans and landless people. The main objective of the programme is to reduce poverty levels and address exclusion and discrimination suffered by the poorest groups in these regions.

The programme works to improve productivity and infrastructure as part of a larger effort to integrate disadvantaged communities into the country’s social and economic mainstream. It also builds up the role of rural grass-roots organizations, involving participants in planning and managing activities, to complement Guatemala’s decentralization programme. Special attention is given to creating income-earning opportunities for women and to empowering women in general.

Specific goals are to:

• provide technical and financial support for small businesses
• improve income-generating capacities and links with markets
• increase access to rural financial services
• assist land-use planning

Source: IFAD