Project: Small Business Development & Agricultural Self-sufficiency In Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
Partner: Comunidad
Despite positive democratic reforms in Mexico, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow. The livelihoods of small-scale farmers, indigenous peoples and independent workers are threatened by the expansion of the agricultural industry and the construction of hydroelectric dams.
Since 1996, Comunidad has sought to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable social sectors of Morelos including women, children, youth, and physically disabled individuals by investing in sustainable community projects.
In association with Change for Children Association (CFCA), Comunidad works with local agricultural producers in Cuernavaca, Morelos to promote self-sufficiency in agriculture and to encourage community members to buy locally produced food. The project’s key goals include the improvement of the local economy by increasing the capacity of local producers through organization; training, technical and financial support; the empowerment of women in the marketplace and community; and community participation in the development of government policies regarding agriculture. The results of this project allow individuals, families and the community to control their livelihood rather than allowing external forces like industry impact their daily survival. Over 500 local agricultural producers are benefiting from the project. Producers’ capacity for action is expanding through a process of technical training and the creation of micro-enterprise initiatives.
This project was supported by a Wild Rose Foundation grant.