Raising Chickens Inspires Community Cohesion
Local partner APIDEC’s early baseline training modules in poultry raising have benefited the community during and after the March-September 2020 pandemic lockdown order.
Because the program started during the dry season when instruction in vegetable and crop production was not feasible, organizing women’s groups to raise chickens was first on the training agenda. As it turned out, poultry production helped households cope with the economic downturn.
Families were able to earn an income through the sale of poultry to their neighbors and had a ready source of protein for their own meals. This became extra important when communities were told to shelter in place and could not travel to nearby markets.
Community leader Domingo said that poultry production set in motion a transformation that helped people cope during the pandemic. Prior to APIDEC’s arrival, his small community lacked any kind of infrastructure, institutional support or cohesion. People were just getting by and did not empathize with one another.
Once organized, the highly motivated women continued to work together. As Domingo puts it, “Poultry production promoted fellowship.” The women initially met to exchange information regarding chickens, but the conversation naturally led to … everything else. Domingo declares that “love of one’s neighbor has been particularly noticeable during this time, since the women have found ways to support local families in need.”
Their successful experience prompted participation in further ag training once the lockdowns were ended. According to Domingo. “God has not abandoned us. We came to realize we are all part of the community, and our development depends on all of us. We are also grateful for APIDEC.”
Guatemala Sayaxché Program
Led by World Renew and Local Partner Asociación Programa Integral de Desarrollo Cristiano (APIDEC)