Genocide + Crop Failure = Food Insecurity = Malnutrition. The Garden in a Box provided by Seed Programs International will grow up to 5 tons of fresh organic vegetables for a community in great need of nutrition and income. A former President was convicted of genocide when indigenous Maya were targeted during Guatemala's civil war. Today, a whole generation is shattered and Guatemalan Ixil Maya children suffer an 85% malnutrition rate. An average income of $2 per day keeps families in poverty.
Today, Ixil farmers are organized into a coffee-producers organization and are working toward income improvement, but this does not address the lack of nutritious food. Many vegetable gardens are unplanted due to a lack of seeds. Planted sites are unproductive due to loss of knowledge of traditional Mayan organic methods. Knowledge was lost during the 36 year civil war. Families were killed or left their farms to hide in the mountains.
Over 2100 children, elderly, and adults will have new access to nutritious organic vegetables. Critical family income is increased through cash or barter of surplus produce in the local markets. Seed banks and vegetable starts combined with education provide for sustainability. Seeds for community gardens reduces malnutrition among those unable to garden themselves.
Children and young adults will learn traditional Mayan organic farming and new methods in composting and soil improvement. Seed banks will ensure long term sustainability, support a strong education program, economic development, and increased food security.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
