Chisec
The subsistent farmers we intend to help live in remote areas and speak different Mayan languages (few speak Spanish). Some of these villagers grow cacao but mostly for their own use. One very positive factor about these farmers is that the cacao from these areas will be organic. We hope by working to create co-operatives and giving them encouragement and advice, we will be able to help them break the cycle of poverty. The goal being that in the end they will be able to help themselves.
We seek to help cacao farmers in Guatemala by organizing co-operatives to produce organic cacao for an export market. The proposed solution has many layers including agricultural education. We plan to establish two different pilot projects in cacao growing areas in Guatemala.
In this pilot project the organization will try to educate the farmers on the benefits of organic cacao production (the current market value of organic cacao being higher than the price of regular cacao), and assist in the development of fair and transparent management structure.
Other aspects that will be addressed:
- Research the success of other similar projects
- Survey sites to compile information about quality, type and production capacity in each region
- Build organizational management systems for groups of about ten farmers, based on similar co-operatives
- Build educational awareness of organic cacao production through the designing and distribution of videos, DVD and other multimedia educational products
- Establish linkages with buyers in domestic and specially foreign markets
- Assist with community development goals
- Secure a fair price and profit percentages for these farming co-operative members
- Assist with fairtrade arrangements.
The objective will be achieved with substantial funding; however, it is vital that the grassroots support is forthcoming. This will enable us to meet the ongoing expenses, but more importantly, it will demonstrate that you are interested in our work. See: "Make a contribution".
The municipality of Chisec is comprised of 50% hillside and 50% relatively flat land. The climate is tropical and humid. The proximity of the Sierra Madre Mountains to the west ensures significant rainfall throughout the year. The combination of soil, altitude and climate make this area ideal for the cultivation of cacao.
Chisec is the county seat of a county that goes by the same name. Traditionally isolated, Chisec is located in the northern part of the Alta Verapaz department. It has over 200 communities and a population of almost 100,000. Dripping with a wide variety of lush, green tropical vegetation, Chisec was once nicknamed "the land before time". The scenery is some of the most beautiful in Guatemala, with large karst towers looming over primary forest and beautiful, naturally green rivers. Over ninety percent of the population is of the ethnic Q'eqchi' Mayan origin and continue to speak their native language. Although the men stopped using traditional dress years ago, the women still wear traditional corte, a woven skirt, and huipil, a blouse that is either woven, crocheted, or made of loose material. Daily meals consist of tortillas made by hand and cooked over the open flame with a bowl of beans or vegetables and occasionally meat. Families here are large, often having more than five children.
Photo by Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth, FLAAR Photo Archive