Reflections, Perspectives, and Notes from the Field
The Seeds for a Future Blog
My Great Adventure Visiting the Seeds’ Work in Chocolá, Guatemala
By Mark Walker Since 2009, the Seeds for a Future Program has been actively reducing the chronic malnutrition and disease faced by so many families across rural Guatemala. In 2024, I joined the board of Seeds for a Future, and have had the opportunity to watch the team’s ceaseless dedication to moving the Program forward. …
Nutrition Education in Guatemala – Vital Training for the First 1,000 Days
The first 1,000 days of life is a critical period for child development. From the moment of conception up to age two, caretaker decisions have an immediate impact on a child’s physical health and future cognitive abilities. At Seeds for a Future, we work with rural families and particularly young parents to optimize family nutrition…
My Experience Volunteering with Seeds for a Future in Guatemala
My name is Mia Di Virgillio. After six months of traveling through Europe and Central America, I arrived in Antigua, Guatemala, where I spent two months volunteering and learning Spanish. This turned out to be one of the highlights of my travels. From the moment I arrived, Guatemala captivated me with its warm and friendly…
Overcoming the “Hurricane of Hunger” in the Most Affordable and Efficient Way
Antonio Guterrez, the Secretary General of the United Nations, has described the rapidly worsening famine around the developing world as a “hurricane of hunger.” Some experts say that as many as 100 million Africans are in danger of dying, and the increasing disaster has no end in sight. If even just 60 million of these…
Exploring the Guatemalan Kitchens Where Nutrition Comes to Life
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…
Vermiculture is Added to the Seeds Food Security Program
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…
Chocolá, Seeds for a Future’s HQ, has a Multilayered History
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…
The Power of “Agency” for Individual and Community Development in Guatemala
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,…
The House of Seeds – Casa de Semillas
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…
Seeds for a Future and Sustainable Agriculture
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: A Sustainable and Resilient Way of Living
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, Highlighting Sustainability Efforts in Guatemala
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…
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