Information and participation processes for the implementation of Farmers´ Rights in Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Guatemala

This good practice started in 2008 in Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Huehuetenango, Guatemala with active participation of Asociación de Organizaciones de los Cuchumatanes (ASOCUCH) in the framework of Programa Colaborativo de Fitomejoramiento Participativo en Mesoamérica (FPMA) with support from the Norwegian Development Fund (Utviklingsfondet) and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAR). Objectives include to promote understanding of and awareness of Farmers' Rights and the importance of local seed systems for food security of vulnerable groups. Basic components of the initiative entail (1) development of information materials, such as brochures, videos and radio spots; (2) recovery of traditional knowledge, e.g. recipes; (3) training of local actors; and (4) facilitation of farmers' participation in decision-making spaces. Main results obtained include the distribution of information material to community leaders, farmers and the general public; the creation of a Technical Committee on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (COTERFAA); as well as the development of a proposal for a public seed policy with participation of farmers.