community health & strengthening: guatemala

Guatemala is the largest producer and exporter of cardamom, a spice that is grown seasonally and commonly found in tea. In the Alta Verapaz region, where most farmers rely on cardamom income to support their families, it can be difficult for communities to stay healthy and well fed year round. More than 40 percent of children under age 5 are chronically malnourished and attendance among school age children is around 20 percent.

Mercy Corps and Tazo Tea are working to change these statistics through a partnership that provides training in crop diversification, empowerment of women and youth, health education, and community organization. As a result, farmers have increased their income, children are healthier and staying in school longer, and women and youth are taking leadership roles in their communities.

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