New agroecology schools are keeping ancestral traditions alive in Guatemala. Large-scale agriculture in Guatemala has expanded over the years, leading to the destruction of forests and degradation of ancestral lands. The loss of tradition has led community members to develop their own form of practical traditions in order to break the hunger cycle. The introduction of harmful chemical fertilizers has also destroyed the livelihood of the surrounding resources and is causing serious health concerns. But, to combat these challenges, participation in agroecology schools and education has increased agricultural innovation and livelihood in these villages.
The schools provide knowledge and principles of plant sowing, soil conservation, seed storage, propagation, and other ecological practices—all of these focused on improving self-sufficiency and individual health for all. Organizations across the country have also been creating what is called, campesino a campesino, or from farmer to farmer, a practice that revives ancient traditions in Guatemala. Working in tandem with the schools, these initiatives have helped Indigenous and local communities combat the modern developmental issues.
Operating as associations under the Utz Che’ Community Forestry Association, the schools are organized by network connecting to several departments representing over 200,000 people, about 90% Indigenous. The purpose of these schools is to facilitate problem solving skills and technical support to farmers, allowing for greater opportunities. Participants are women and men of all ages co-learning at the same level, taking away the option of imbalanced authority. Together they decide what element they want to learn and exchange personal knowledge to then experiment different viable solutions. Attendance is free—the fee is shared generational knowledge and respect.
“The recovery and, I would add, revalorization of ancestral practices is essential to diversify fields and diets and to enhance planetary health,” she said. “Recognizing the value of ancestral practices that are rooted in communality and that foster solidarity and mutual aid is instrumental to strengthen the social fabric of Indigenous and small-scale farmers in Guatemala,” stated Claudia Irene Calderón, agroecology and sustainable foods expert from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
These schools have transformed the lives of those that attended and those connected to the spread of knowledge. They are responsible for self production, distribution, and commercialization of any of their outgoing products—adding to self reliance, independence, and revenue.
