DanChurchAid
Guatemala
Partners: Food security
Plataforma Agraria
Plataforma Agraria is a national, multisectorial network of 14 organisations representing indigenous and peasant organisations, the Catholic Church, NGOs and research institutes. The network is carrying out advocacy work to support poor farmers and people without access to land. Among other things, Plataforma Agraria has elaborated a reform proposal for the coffee sector, which has been carried out to the benefit of poor small-scale farmers, in particular. At the local level, Plataforma Agraria attempts to improve food security by supporting agricultural as well as alternative income generating activities for rural families.
Asociación para el Avance de las Ciencias Sociales en Guatemala (AVANCSO)
AVANCSO is a social research institute, which started its activities in 1986. Based on well-documented research, the institute carries out advocacy work promoting an alternative development plan for Guatemala’s rural districts and marginalised parts of the population. AVANCSO has a close relationship with farmers’ organisations and other civil society actors, in particular with the broad-based network Plataforma Agraria. DanChurchAid’s support is directed mainly at AVANCSO’s peasantry studies programme, which consists of various research projects as well as advocacy work together with these organisations. Furthermore, DanChurchAid supports the strengthening of AVANCSO’s institutional capacities. Visit website: www.avancso.org.gt
Asociación Maya-Mam de Investigación y Desarrollo (AMMID)
AMMID is a Maya Indian organisation working in 31 indigenous communities in the area around Comitancillo, San Marcos, in the Western part of Guatemala. AMMID is promoting sustainable agriculture and the creation of alternative income generating activities such as textiles and handicrafts in order to improve food security for the families in the area. The organisation also serves as a centre for training, research and community projects. AMMID was established in 1997 to facilitate the development of self-sufficiency of its members, in particular focusing on women. DanChurchAid has supported AMMID’s activities since 2003.
Proyecto de Desarrollo Santiago (PRODESSA)
PRODESSA is working in the department of San Marcos where it is aiming at improving the living conditions of 1300 families in 16 highland communities in the municipality of Concepción Tutuapa. The project is part of a regional development strategy focusing on food security. PRODESSA is mainly working with the indigenous Maya Indian population, supporting the development of a sustainable agricultural production and other non-agricultural activities such as handicraft production. The organisation is also carrying out advocacy work for the economic, social and cultural rights of this group. Visit website: www.prodessa.net
