2016 Central America Summit

Roundtable Discussion on Farmer’s Perspective

Ing. Sergio Alonzo

Manager of Technical Activities ASOCOCH

(Asociación de Organizaciones de los Cuchumatanes) Guatemala

Association of Organizations in The Cuchumatanes (ASOCUCH)

Sergio Alonzo alonzo.sergio@gmail.com

Fort Worth Texas, June 29 2016.

Second level non governmental, non lucrative, non political and non religious organization.

Its main goal is to promote productive, economic, social and sustainable rural development with equity and competitivity in the Cuchumatanes Sierra, in Guatemala. 15 years 9,000 farmer families in 8 cooparative organizations, 11 associations and 94 women managing microbusiness; 90% indigenous population. Sheep, potatoe, forest; organic and conventional coffee; vegetables; corn.

Organizational Strengthening Public Political Advocacy Family Farms Entrepreneurial Businesses Climate Change, Biodiversity and Forest Managment

Association of Organizations in The Cuchumatanes (ASOCUCH)

MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS

Local change agents for agricultural extension. Participatory plant breeding led to yield increases: corn to

25 qq/ha and black beans to 14 qq/ha and, food security improved for up to 7.5 months.

Inclusive farmer owned community business in agricultural value chains (potato, sheep, wood, onion).

Rural infrastructure and technology (Greenhouses, irrigation systems)

Climate smart agriculture with emphasis on adaptation with participation of farmer organizations

Registration in Forest Management throught the National Incentive Programs: 11,000 ha.

We propose ….

Build up and strengthening farmers organizations to add value to value chains (potatoes, exportable vegetables, sheep meat, coffee).

Value add: Impact investments on productive infrastructure in value chains (irrigation systems, food processing centers)

Capital: Access to low interest rate credits for agriculture and livestock production linked to value chains and access to production technology.

Resiliance Systems: participatory corn seed breeding and production, farm diversification and soil conservation.

Innovation: agriculture and livestock extension service based on local farmer promoters.

Finantial Aid to implement climate smart agriculture adaptation strategies at micro-watershed level.

Expected outcomes

Upgraded value chains. Job creation for youth in rural areas and access to

markets. Increased food security in the western highlands (corn

and black beans). Improved living conditions for small holder farmers with

resilient production systems. Integrated community natural ressource management at

micro-watershed level.

GRACIAS

THANK YOU