Guatemala

Having emerged from decades of civil war, Guatemala is now well-positioned to capitalize on its substantial natural resources and climatic advantages.

Although the country continues to face high levels of inequality and a poverty rate above 50 percent, Guatemala has maintained stable economic growth particularly in the increasingly profitable food and beverage industry. TechnoServe is strengthening the coffee value chain and helping existing agricultural businesses, with a view to generating jobs and incomes for poor rural producers. We are also running entrepreneurship training programs that empower men and women to create thriving businesses in a variety of sectors.

Having long depended on trading with Nigeria and inland neighbors thanks to a competitive port in Cotonou, the devaluation of the naira and big port investments in neighboring countries have severely eroded this source of revenue, leading to falling median incomes and rising poverty since 2011.

The economy needs to diversify and increase value-creating activities, taking advantage of new strategic opportunities to generate prosperity. Agriculture provides a unique opportunity to bolster employment, entrepreneurship, and food security, and the cashew sector in particular is ripe for success. TechnoServe is working to expand economic opportunities in Benin by helping farmers, agribusinesses, and entrepreneurs to raise their production levels and connect with lucrative markets, while creating jobs in rural areas.