Walking towards ‘Buen Vivir’ (Good Living)
With a solid trajectory, FUNDEBASE has been walking hand in hand with Indigenous farming communities in Guatemala for 28 years. The organization is committed to respecting and preserving Mayan knowledge, wisdom and cosmovision, focusing on food production through Agroecology. This approach has improved the quality of life of approximately 10,000 families, guaranteeing nutritious, varied and sufficient food.
The department of Quiché faces significant historical adversities. Most of its inhabitants belong to the Mayan K'iche' people, who suffer a poverty rate of 89%, with 35% in extreme poverty. In addition, child malnutrition reaches alarming levels of 60%. The population bears the scars of the armed conflict (1960 - 1996), a massacre of about 344 people that affected them deeply.
Quiché is not immune to the impacts of climate change either. Prolonged droughts, low rainfall, increased disease due to extreme temperatures and forest fires in the dry corridor have affected agricultural production, causing up to 8 months of food insecurity for the population.
In this challenging context, in 2023, FUNDEBASE initiated a partnership with Trees, Water & People (TWP) to support 16 families. The project extended to seven communities, benefiting 175 families in total, in favor of food sovereignty.
After almost a year of joint work, food production skills have been strengthened, as evidenced in vegetable gardens, medicinal plants, fruit trees, water management and care of domestic animals.
In addition, the process of reflection, training and exchange of experiences and knowledge have contributed to increase the self-esteem of the families, promoting greater participation that improves their quality of life.
A promoter in the labor field mentions that, since joining FUNDEBASE, she has learned to cultivate her plot more efficiently and care for her domestic animals. She now produces food with the collaboration of her family and generates income by selling native herbs in local markets.
TWP and FUNDEBASE will continue to join forces to strengthen the organization at the community level. The focus will be on vital aspects: food production, soil care, proper water management and forest recovery and conservation, supporting the ongoing pursuit for Good Living.
