Projektregion: Santa Maria de Cahabon, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Project duration: Currently in the start-up phase, planned duration: long-term
Objective: Conversion of grazing land and deforested areas into sustainable food forests
Initial Situation and Project Objectives
Santa Maria de Cahabon is located in a region marked by poverty in Guatemala. We live here on the ground and see the necessity for sustainable alternatives to conventional management of pastures and monocultures. The intensive use of land as grazing areas for cattle and the clearing of forests for maize cultivation have not only weakened the natural resources but also severely impacted the livelihoods of the local population. The soils are leached and eroded, the water supply is inadequate, and particularly the biodiversity of the region has been significantly reduced.
Our main objectives are therefore to improve the nutritional and income situation of local people through the establishment or expansion of food forests, to regenerate the soil, and to restore ecological balance. We aim to bring back former fertility and diversity while also helping communities to build a sustainable livelihood for the future.
Concept of the Food Forest
Our approach is the establishment of food forests that are based on the natural structure of a forest and integrate various plant layers. This form of agroforestry offers ecological, social, and economic benefits by cultivating different food plants and vegetable varieties in a manner that is based on natural interactions. In this project, we will plant cocoa, avocado, mango, guava, vanilla, pepper, chilli, yuca, as well as bananas and papayas, among others. These tree species not only provide food and shade but also contribute to improving soil quality and increasing water retention through their different root structures. Companion plants such as beans and pumpkins enhance soil fertility and contribute to food security.
By introducing these diverse cultivation methods, we are creating a sustainable and resilient ecosystem that not only increases food production but also contributes to the long-term resilience of the communities in Santa Maria de Cahabon.
Project execution
The practical implementation of the project takes place in several steps:
- Soil preparation and planting:
The former pasture lands or monocultures are initially prepared. As intensive livestock farming or monocultures have compacted and depleted the soil, we begin with targeted soil improvement. This includes the introduction of nitrogen-fixing plants and the enrichment with organic material to restore soil fertility. - Nurseries and Seedling Cultivation:
In a specially established nursery, we cultivate seedlings that are optimally adapted to the local conditions. The cultivation begins in April, so that the young trees and plants can be planted in the food forests towards the end of the dry season, from early August to the end of December. This phase of the project is accompanied by regular training sessions and workshops for the local population. - Involvement of the local population:
A central component of our work is the active involvement of the communities. Local people participate in training sessions and thus learn sustainable practices for managing nature and caring for food forests. In particular, women are heavily involved in the establishment and maintenance of the plantations, thereby gaining an important source of income.
Results and initial successes
Although the project is still in its early stages, initial positive developments are already visible. Our pilot project is showing tangible results. The cultivation of seedlings is progressing successfully and is being well received by the indigenous community. Initial tree plantings on prepared areas demonstrate a significantly improved soil structure. The integration of shade trees and nitrogen-fixing plants has revitalised the soil, making it not only more fertile but also more resilient to erosion and extreme weather events.
The feedback from the population is encouraging: The prospect of a sustainable source of income and improved food security provides great motivation and willingness to participate. Particularly, the women in the communities benefit from working in the nurseries and food forests, which also changes the social fabric in the villages – many women report that they are experiencing stable and self-determined work for the first time.
Challenges and Solutions
The implementation of a project of this scale presents various challenges that we specifically address:
- Financing:
Due to the financial situation in the region, investments in seedlings, irrigation systems, and training are a significant hurdle. We rely on donations to finance the project in the long term. - Knowledge transfer and sustainability:
A long-term change requires a deep understanding of the new cultivation methods. Through intensive training measures and "learning by doing" approaches, we ensure that knowledge of agroforestry is sustainably embedded in the communities.
Outlook and Future Goals
We plan to expand the successful models from Santa Maria de Cahabon to other regions in Alta Verapaz and possibly throughout Guatemala. By linking with existing projects and international partnerships, we aim not only to improve the economic situation of the local population but also to promote awareness of respectful and sustainable interaction with nature.
A medium-term goal is to bring the products of food forests into new markets, thereby creating additional sources of income. We are already achieving this with cocoa. These sustainable farming methods are also intended to serve as a model in other projects and inspire people worldwide.
And why do we actually believe that we will make this project successful?
A key reason why we are convinced that this project will be successful in the long term lies in our own experience and the practical opportunities that our own farm in Santa Maria de Cahabon offers us. By working on our own farm, we can actively embody and experimentally develop the concept of food forests. Here, we test cultivation concepts, observe the effects of different plant combinations, and develop solutions that we can directly pass on to the surrounding communities. The farm thus serves as a living model and training centre, showing families how sustainable agroforestry works in practice and what positive effects it can have on soil quality, crop yield, and ecological balance.
Another success factor is our close and long-standing collaboration with the families in the region. These partnerships are far more than donor/recipient relationships; they are deeply rooted in trust and mutual respect. We understand the challenges and needs of the people and are familiar with the everyday realities of local agriculture. Through this knowledge, we can tailor the food forest projects to the needs of the communities while also drawing on their experiences to find practical solutions.
Our previous projects, such as the cocoa cultivation and dental project, have shown that community involvement is essential for success. People contribute their own ideas and solutions, which strengthens the sense of personal responsibility and identification with the projects. We are already seeing initial successes in the positive attitudes of the people and their willingness to take responsibility for the food forests, which reinforces our approach and convinces us that we are on the right track.
Conclusion: The project of converting grazing lands into food forests in Santa Maria de Cahabon already demonstrates that sustainable development is possible on the ground. It not only strengthens nature and the environment but, above all, the communities that benefit from new jobs, education, and food security.
