Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Chiapas, Mexico

Summary

Help train subsistence farmers on eco-friendly farming methods. This improves the income and health of families, protects the rainforest and conserves resources for future generations.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Over one million Mayan indigenous people live as subsistence farmers in the resource-rich state of Chiapas, where poverty rates are the highest in Mexico. Despite a strong indigenous rights movement, marginalization, malnutrition and illiteracy are still the norm. With the support of DESMI, Mayan communities are organizing their own sustainable development projects.

How will this project solve this problem?

DESMI will provide loans and training for organic coffee, corn, vegetable, livestock, and wood-saving stove projects. Training topics include ecological issues, gender equity, health and nutrition, and financial management.

Potential Long Term Impact

• Improved health, nutrition, and self-sufficiency of families & communities • Expanded habitat for birds & other wildlife though organic coffee practices • Rainforest protection through sustainable cattle collectives and wood preservation from sto

Project Message

Thanks to DESMI, we are working collectively and progressing to improve the health conditions of the families that live in our community. You can see the unity of humanity when they work together.
- Adolfo, San Antonio LaReforma Development Committee Member

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources