Reflections, Perspectives, and Notes from the Field

Suzanne and I first visited Chocolá in 2004 as part of a volunteer group helping archaeologists investigate a pre-Columbian Maya site surrounded by volcanos on the Pacific piedmont in Guatemala. Archaeologists speculate that in the time of the Maya, and the Olmecs before them, the ancient city of Chocolá may have been a major regional…

We’re excited to add Lombricultura, or vermiculture, to the permaculture and regenerative methods we share with participating rural Guatemalan families.  This addition was announced at our Field Day — Dia de Campo — at the home of don Jacinto and doña Herminia in the village of Lolemi. Nearly 100 local families and assorted invited guests listened…

The village of Chocolá, Guatemala, has a long and complex history, from the Pre-classic Maya period (2000 BCE to 250 CE), to the effects of colonization across Central America, to prominence in the early 20th century as producer of coffee, to today, as the community continues to seeks its forward path. Through the centuries of…

Why is agency important?  How can agency transform lives and drive community development to produce food security, health, nutrition, and income opportunities?  Defining Agency While “agency” is a frequently used term in development contexts, it’s often misunderstood outside academic circles. Agency refers to the capacity of individuals or communities to actively and autonomously make choices,…

Seeds for a Future’s mission is creating long-term food security and health through sustainable, permaculture practices. We work in regions where subsistence farming has fed families for generations, creating an opportunity to address food security and nutritional health through permaculture gardens. We knew there had to be a central meeting point for our team and…

A primary focus of Seeds for a Future is creating long-term food security and sustainable development projects in rural communities throughout Guatemala. Through various initiatives, we have worked to improve the lives of Guatemalan citizens, promote sustainable practices, and protect the environment. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of our work. Background on Guatemala…

Permaculture, coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s, is a system of sustainable and resilient garden design that mimics the patterns and features of natural ecosystems. It’s an agricultural method that we at Seeds for a Future are passionate about sharing through our program. Permaculture has gained popularity worldwide as a means…

Earth Day is a global celebration that reminds us to take care of the planet we live on. In Guatemala, this day is particularly significant as the country is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. From the ancient ruins of Tikal to the lush rainforests of the Peten, Guatemala is a…