Help Guatemalan Women Achieve Self-Sufficiency

In 2008, the Los Pinos de Xesuj group achieved regular income-generation through APROSADSE’s chicken project. The group of 16 women sold 3 to 5 chickens at $8.10 each week, and 1 to 2 turkeys every three months at $27.03 each. This amounted to a weekly income of $13.50-$20.27, which equals a monthly income of $54.00-$81.00. Additionally, the group cared for 1,000 hen-laying eggs, also providing a substantial income. The project benefits not just the women, but also a total of 56 family members.

In the community of Chi Armira, near San Martin Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango, the chicken-raising project managed by one of APROSADSE’s new groups (called Emmanuel) is finishing its first cycle.

The four members driving the project see a production of 9 cartons of eggs daily, sold at $2.70 each, equaling an income of $24.32 daily and $792.72 monthly. The group plans to sell the hens and use the money to reinvest in more chickens, starting the cycle again.

Furthermore, the group is mixing the chicken manure with sawdust to produce organic fertilizer to sell. The income from these sales helps them pay for their chicken feed, which has become very expensive now.

The president of the group, Ana, expressed the following: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to get a microcredit from APROSADSE and to also receive training.”