PAST PARTNER: MEXICO

SOCONUSCO

Past Partner in Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico

In 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, we were invited by DERMAC, a environmental non profit organization in Chiapas, Mexico, to start a food sovereignty and food security program with 25 women, coffee and cacao producers of the Soconusco region of Chiapas. These women were participating in environmental recovery activities, centering around the use of cacao as a sustainable commercial strategy. In the initial diagnostic, the survey showed that most women had access to both water and land, which made possible the establishment of home gardens. The survey also showed that most families reported high levels of sugar consumption and other processed foods, which showed a good opportunity to work with this group through food sovereignty and food security training.

This pilot program provided seeds, training and tools to 25 women to start home gardens for their consumption and if possible, for income generation. After meeting with the group, we established home gardens with 25 women and identified a community promoter to support the work. The skills included in the trainings were:

  • Identify substrates for horticulture

  • Make organic fertilizers

  • Principles of vermicomposting

  • Associated production to prevent pests and use medicinal plants

  • Seed exchange

  • Cookbook with 10 recipes for gardening

Soconosco

LOCATION

Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico

PARTNER SINCE

2021-2023

Beekeeping, Home gardens, Agroforestry, Promoters, Capacity Training

ACTIVITIES