Oxfam's work in Guatemala in depth
Oxfam has been working with local organisations in Guatemala for more than 30 years on development, peace processes and humanitarian relief. We are currently working to reduce inequality and poverty primarily affecting young women and indigenous people.
The context
Guatemala has one of the most dynamic economies in Central America, but it also has one of the greatest inequality indexes (Gini 0.551), which excludes most indigenous people. The exclusion experienced by indigenous people, especially women, is historical and is expressed in the lack of access to education, health services, political participation and access to land to guarantee their rights and have a voice.
Though 42% of people in Guatemala are indigenous, the national budget allocated to indigenous people is little over 1%. More than 1 million indigenous people (Maya, Xinca and Garífuna) live in extreme poverty, and most of them are women.
Guatemala is rich in natural resources and productive opportunities, but these benefits stay in the hands of a few. For example, although in the last years the country has become the largest produce exporter in Central America, these benefits are not translated into benefits for producers. And, while corn growers generate more than half the national production of corn, the country is the most malnourished in Latin America and sixth most malnourished worldwide.
The effects of climate change have increased food insecurity levels. For example, the 2010 rainy season destroyed 30% of agricultural products – the main source of food and income for farming and indigenous families. This forced communities to use their food reserves, which exacerbated the food crisis.
Participation of women in politics in Guatemala has traditionally been weak. During Álvaro Colom’s administration, only 12% of the total seats in Congress were occupied by women, and 2% by indigenous persons. Young people in Guatemala also have limited representation, which discourages their participation in social and political activities. Though 50% of the female population only speaks an indigenous language, state-provided services are only available in Spanish.
How is Oxfam helping?
Oxfam is working for indigenous women and other populations living in poverty to become organised and have better access to power in their own community organisations.
Economic justice
Oxfam supports growers to strengthen their associations and co-operatives, allowing them to sell their products in the market and make these products more accessible to their own communities and to consumers living in poverty. It also helps create a link between growers and consumers, and with buyers. Doing this helps them improve buying conditions for their products. It also helps change market rules and give women more power in the value chains – presently being monopolised by intermediary agencies – and gives indigenous, farming and rural women more control on the use, ownership, care and benefits of natural assets, private or public.
Oxfam also works to influence public policies aimed at rural areas and work with governments to allocate more public resources to provide quality technical assistance, agricultural credit, and other services to benefit growers.
Strengthening social movements
Oxfam works to create an equitable society that prioritises community interests and overcomes racism and gender discrimination.
We work with women, young people and indigenous populations in 13 communities to build their life plans and encourage the state to become a multicultural democracy. We do this by establishing alliances with ancestral authorities recognised by the indigenous communities (midwives, spiritual guides, indigenous mayors, and state representatives).
The Ixmucané Women Association (in Chichicastenango, Quiché) is working to strengthen women’s and youth organisations and promote their development. Their goal is to give these groups a voice and have them participate actively in political processes in a way that impacts public policies nationally and locally.
Risk reduction, preparedness and humanitarian relief
Guatemala is among the top 10 countries at high risk of natural disasters. For 9 months of the year Guatemala is affected by hurricanes and storms that cause flooding and landslides, placing its 11 million inhabitants at risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and droughts. The high degree of vulnerability and poverty and limited preparedness in communities and Government increases the impact of these disasters. Women are among the most vulnerable groups because they are socially marginalised, despite contributing the most during disasters and preparedness activities in the face of natural disasters.
Oxfam and partners in Guatemala also generate changes that give society and local governments, state institutions and entities responsible for emergency relief greater capacity, resources and clarity in their roles and enable them to prepare adequately and give timely response in case of a disaster. This guarantees that people’s rights, especially those of the most vulnerable people, are respected during emergencies. We also work on capacity building in preparedness and response, awareness campaigns, adaptation processes.
On May 29 2010, tropical storm Agatha caused strong winds and intense rains affecting 21 of the 22 areas in Guatemala. It caused severe floods, landslides and considerable damage to agriculture, roads and bridges. Almost 163,000 people were affected. Oxfam, with the support of the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) carried out different humanitarian responses and risk reduction projects, especially in water and sanitation, helping more than 18,000 people.
“I am very happy. Now our water tank is looking very good, even if it rains; the road is safer and cleaner,” said Celestina García, one of the beneficiaries from the reconstruction of a public water tank in the Pachut municipality in the Patzún community near Guatemala City.
Last updated: May 2011
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