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.