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IFAD
in Guatemala
IFAD has been working in Guatemala since 1986. It has supported seven projects, with loans totalling almost US$96.2 million. The total cost of the projects is US$190.8 million. The projects have benefited 97,316 households in rural Guatemala. IFAD’s work in Guatemala is designed to support the government in consolidating the peace and reconciliation process, reconstructing the social fabric of Guatemala’s war-torn regions and creating a solid foundation for development and reconstruction in the country, especially among rural poor people. IFAD’s strategy in Guatemala Since the onset of the peace negotiations in 1995, IFAD has worked with the government towards poverty reduction and the pacification, reconstruction and development of war-torn areas. IFAD has specifically undertaken initiatives in areas affected by the war. This approach is now being expanded to become more comprehensive, as IFAD supports the government in its creation of a nationwide rural development programme. The empowerment of women and indigenous peoples are two important elements of IFAD’s work in Guatemala. IFAD supports the rights, culture and identity of indigenous peoples, working to adapt to the many social, cultural and linguistic differences that exist within ethnic groups. Some income-generating opportunities are inherent in safeguarding traditional knowledge. Natural medicines, for example, can support profitable rural enterprises, and the proximity of the US market can prove advantageous for this kind of product. IFAD’s objectives include achieving an increase in food production, and improving nutritional levels and living standards for most of the rural population, which still practises traditional agriculture. Its strategy focuses on improving crop yields, but also on crop substitution and diversification, especially in the light of the coffee crisis. The new market for vegetables and fruit is becoming an important non-traditional segment of the agricultural sector and is already benefiting a number of small-scale farmers. However, the complex geography of the country requires that different crop-growing, processing and marketing strategies be developed for different areas. All programmes and projects comprise training in natural resource management and conservation. IFAD’s strategic approach also takes into account the pressing need for greater access to education, health and sanitation services. Improving road access and public transport in rural areas is an important part of helping vulnerable communities. Providing literacy programmes and training in labour skills, particularly for women and young people, are also priorities. Source: IFAD |
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Ongoing IFAD operations
