Programs and Projects
Celaque - Marketing Opportunities for Lenca Indian Agro-Products

Purpose: To improve the life of farming families in an holistic manner by training families to properly use natural resources such as land and water as well as training in crop diversification, vegetable production and marketing, stressing the involvement of women and children.

In the western highlands of Belen Gualcho, near the Guatemalan border, Lenca Indian farmers harvest cold climate crops on highlands that reach over 6,500 feet in elevation. This high altitude is perfect for vegetables, apples, pears, peaches and basic grains such as wheat and oats. Proyecto Aldea Global began an agriculture and marketing program in 1987 reaching Lenca Indians with improved hillside farming techniques, which have been well accepted by local farmers. PAG is currently seeking funding to improve water systems for irrigation purposes, greenhouses for vegetable production and markets to sell their products. In addition, two processing plants for packing and marketing will provide an opportunity for the Lenca farmers to participate in national and international markets. This major effort is being worked on by the Proyecto Aldea Global staff in Belen Gualcho as they seek funding and resources to implement this last phase.

 

Geography
Belen Gualcho Municipality, near the border of Guatemala and El Salvador.

Target Groups
Lenca producer Families living in El Altiplano de Celaque. All these families have irrigation systems and access to permanent / periodic water.