From Carrie, the Intern

The corn based diets of Chajul have resulting in malnutrition.  Children are not receiving the vitamins and minerals necessary to develop healthy minds and bodies, and many do not consume enough calories.  Often, children will go to school exhausted after collecting firewood, and having eaten only a few corn tortillas.  Baja suffers from malnutrition as well, but of a different sort.  Food is expensive, and many rely on a diet heavily based in canned and processed foods- often resulting in obesity.  While these situations easily inspire an emotional reaction, simply giving food won’t do anything but prolong the problem.  I’m currently researching the various techniques used by NGO’s to combat malnutrition and food security.  There are several techniques, the most prominent of which are handouts, and microloans.  Since Philanthropiece is focused on sustainable solutions which lessen a community’s dependence on aid, I have chosen to focus on programs funded by various microloans and grants.  These often fund women to grow crops which diversify both the foods they consume, and their means of income.  Probably the most inspiring program so far is by Alimentos Nutri-Naturales- a partner of the Equilibrium Fund and a grassroots organization started by local women which teaches the harvesting of the “Maya Nut” and indigenous tree which produces edible nuts. The program not only teaches farming techniques, and provides food and income to growers, but also inspires the growers to become environmentalists in order to protect their largest asset- their land. I have become increasingly interested in the idea of agricultural development since reading the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation publication on the topic; which claims that agriculture is the best way for a community to both experience growth and become independent.