ObjectivesFund scope
Much of the population in Guatemala is exposed to various risks caused by natural and man-made phenomena, situations amplified by extreme weather shocks and low levels of emergency preparedness and disaster risk responses at the local level. Continued lack of resources increases the level of risk people face when disaster strikes, not only aggravating inequalities but endangering human security and sustainable development. Moreover, the bulk of these issues have intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, education services in particular.
In response, stakeholders of the Joint Programme Integral and Sustainable Rural Development in Ixil focus on implementing sustainable projects in the districts of Nebaj, Cotzal and Chajul, which are the most affected regions according to data from a national Poverty Analysis Territorial Multi-dimensional study. Gender and economic inequality, along with environmental degradation factors and climate shocks, limit the realization of those living in these areas, affecting rural and indigenous populations, and women the most. The Government of Guatemala, United Nations, and local partners understand that integrated rural development can only be sustainable if action led by those at the local level. To this end, the programme is closely aligned with multiple national development plans that focus on nutrition, climate change, disaster risk reduction, social development, gender mainstreaming, and rural development.
Built on a rights-based model centred on empowerment and protection, the empowerment axis of the programme entails a bottom-up approach to expand the capacities of people and communities to make informed decisions, act for themselves, and increase their participation in shaping their social and political realities. The protection and humanitarian response axis, meanwhile, comprises a top-down approach where people can access support that will help develop their capacities so they can fulfill their roles and responsibilities in a dignified and rights-focused manner.
Theory of change
The Joint Programme theory of chance recognizes that if right holders have greater access to basic services (e.g., food, health, education, housing, water and sanitation, etc.) and favourable living conditions, they will gain access to sustainable alternatives for generating income, build a greater adaptive capacity to face the risks of climate change, and use natural resources in ways that respect local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Conditions will be created that make space for increased political/social participation, and raised resilience to socio-economic and environmental stressor. Other outcomes include:
- Increased ability to improve food security and health.
- Increased access to quality social services that are culturally sensitive and contextually relevant.
- Improved use of natural resources.
- A citizenry equipped to advocate for bringing about an end to gender-based violence and/or promote gender equality.
- Women are inspired to become democratic and active members of society.
- Women and youth have access to innovative and sustainable alternatives for generating income.
- Community organizations are better able to promote peaceful and inclusive governance with a focus on local development, management of water, ecosystems and biodiversity that incorporate the Mayan worldview.
Stakeholder action will reduce poverty related to nutritional food security, as well as declining health, education, housing, water and sanitation indicators by 2026. Generating new, sustainable sources of income for rural communities and raising their climate resilience will pay out dividends through increasing the rate of local participation in multiple development processes; expanding local management of sustainable, natural resources; increasing operational efficiency and quality of public investments, governance and accountability, and improving risk management and comprehensive care for all, especially the most vulnerable. The Joint Programme will reach the most underserved and marginalized: Indigenous people, rural dwellers, children under five, and youth.
> $55M 
$55M - $25M
$25M - $5M
< $5M
