A new program funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) will enhance the ability of thousands of farmers in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor to withstand droughts.
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Funded by USAID/OFDA and implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in collaboration with the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), the “Yo Me Adapto” (I Adapt) project will promote climate-smart agricultural practices in drought-stricken communities in the Dry Corridor.
The project will improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods for approximately 9,000 people in the municipalities of Sanarate and Sansare in Guatemala’s El Progreso Department.
Recurring droughts over the past several years have led to crop losses, severely affecting the food supply in these underserved communities. The two-year project builds on and expands an existing network of Rural Development Learning Centers (CADERs) run by Guatemala’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA).
“While farming has always been challenging in the region, repeated drought at critical times during the crop cycle is eroding food security,” says Liza Mantilla, director of disaster management at PADF. “We are pleased to work with USAID and local partners in Guatemala to expand a farmer-to-farmer approach to deliver knowledge and practical support for improved productivity.”
Through the program, PADF and UVG will establish a master demonstration farm, which will serve as a training ground for government technicians and community leaders to learn about best practices and cost-efficient technologies for climate-smart agriculture.
PADF will also establish 20 new rural centers to teach sustainable farming practices including rainwater harvesting and irrigation technologies; crop diversification; soil conservation methods; vermicomposting; and reforestation.
“This project is an effort to build the capacity of rural communities whose livelihoods are threatened by prolonged drought,” says Fernando Castañaza, PADF's senior program manager in Guatemala.
“By increasing the resilience of farmers and helping to adapt their farming techniques to a changing climate, we will improve food security and promote lasting change. These farmers will have the skills and tools to adapt the changing climate."
PADF will also provide additional training in entrepreneurship, leadership and civic engagement, and award grants to 20 rural learning centers to develop an action plan for income generation. ■
Modified arctic air combined with a moisture-laden area of low pressure along the Gulf Coast will continue to allow for a broad area of winter weather impacts from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Southeast today into early Saturday morning.