Support to the Purchase for Progress Program in Guatemala

Results achieved as of the project end: (1) The project consolidated activities and provided technical assistance and training to 19 farmers' organizations comprised of 2 821 farmers (917 women and 1 904 men) which led to a substantial increase in crop productivity by an average of 135%; (2) 67% of farmers have increased their sales of maize (corn) and 34% of farmers have increased their sales of beans. Incomes increased by an average of 31%;(3)16 organizations have sold a total of 7 197 metric tons of maize and beans to the World Food Programme and 9 992 metric tons to other buyers totaling over $46.4 million; (4) Training in agricultural production techniques and crop management was delivered to 16 108 farmers (6 837 women and 9 271 men) that improved grain quality post-harvest practices and storage and marketing and contracting processes; (5) Women's participation was increased through the creation of gender commissions as well as specialized training and coaching; (6) 89% of farmers organizations have been able to access credit for marketing and agricultural inputs and 34% have considerably improved their post-harvest losses; (7) 37% of the farmers’ organizations are completely self-sustainable and have graduated from the program. These results have contributed to increased food security agricultural productivity and consumer access to local food as well better livelihoods for low-income farmers through increased sales and incomes.