Economic Development

Alta Verapaz records the highest poverty rates in Guatemala.

Guatemala suffers one of the most alarming poverty indices worldwide, according to data published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

7.1
Millions
people living in poverty

4.5
Millions
people living in extreme poverty

Many of the communities’ unmet needs, including an adequate education, health services, and job opportunities, keep them in a state of underdevelopment.

This is how the cycle that limits the development of the inhabitants of the region continues.

We promote ventures that provide residents with income opportunities

Through our economic development focus we promote training programs in different technical and vocational areas, such as masonry, welding, motorcycle mechanics, bakery, and beekeeping, among others. Through these programs we seek to diversify the economy and promote ventures that generate an income and provide job opportunities that allow residents to develop and improve their families’ standard of living.

Within our focus on economic development, the “13 Drops of Honey” beekeeping program stands out for its success: it has allowed 5 communities in Senahú to benefit from the sales generated by the production of honey.

As part of this focus, we also seek to develop the region’s traditional economies. To that end, we conduct training and offer support to small farmers, encouraging them to diversify their crops and use techniques that increase the productivity of their land. In this way, we help strengthen their sole source of livelihood and their food security while increasing their income.

Programs

Improving Agricultural Capabilities

13 Drops of Honey

Vocational Technical Training

Growing corn is an important cultural practice within indigenous populations.

Through this program we seek to incorporate agricultural methods that improve crop productivity. We have recently managed to significantly increase harvest yield in experimental plots. This allows residents to harvest more corn for their families, enough to allow them to sell their surplus.

We also promote crop diversification.

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The climate and flora of the Senahú region constitute an ideal environment for honeybees, making the communities an ideal place for beekeeping. The “13 Drops of Honey” program was implemented to make the most of these conditions and encourage the production of honey in the municipality.

To this end, we formed a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food (MAGA). With their support, we provided training in the management of hives as well as the production and packaging of honey using artisan techniques. The program currently benefits 5 communities that are already selling their own honey.

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There are no technical training opportunities in the Senahú region.

The field of development is limited to traditional trades, and there are no resources through which to acquire new skills or train in a profession. This has direct consequences on the personal growth of the population, especially the young people, which extend to the economic development of the communities.

In an effort to change this reality, we partnered with the Guatemalan Technical Training Institute (INTECAP). With their support we have trained 135 people from 9 communities in technical areas such as motorcycle mechanics, masonry, welding, and bakery, among others. With the knowledge and skills they gain through these training sessions, the residents of Senahú are able to acquire new job opportunities or start their own business.

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Programs

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