Cuchumatanes Highlands Rural Development Project

The project area was situated in the Cuchumatanes mountain range and covered a range of ecological zones from high plateau to lower mountain slopes. More than 80 per cent of the local population is Mayan. The area is extremely poor, with very limited basic sanitation and health and social services, and with high rates of illiteracy. Many children suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Women are particularly vulnerable to poverty, especially widows, single mothers and wives of migrant labourers. Agricultural development was held back in the area by a lack of irrigation water. Deforestation for firewood and land clearing for agricultural purposes was seriously affecting the environment.

The main objective of the project was to increase and diversify crop yields to improve incomes and also family nutritional levels. The project set up special credit schemes for farmers and particularly for women: It provided farmers with technological assistance and irrigation, and constructed rural roads. Building on already-existing farmer groups, the project trained these groups in marketing knowledge and other skills. Conservation efforts included rehabilitation of soils, water, rangeland and forest, and training in sustainable farming practices.

Source: IFAD