Trapichitos
“Place of the Sugar Mills”
Nebaj, Quiché, Guatemala
Size: 635 acres
Population: 78 families
Founded: 2000
Also known as La Trinidad (the Trinity), Trapichitos is an Ixil community that has persevered through great challenges. Squeezed together for many years on just 25 acres of land, the original 85 families organized themselves to purchase land 25 minutes from their homes. After five frustrating years and many fruitless attempts to acquire land, the community approached Agros for assistance in April 2000. Agros had never worked with previously organized groups in the Ixil, thereby, presenting a new opportunity. With Agros’ support, local leaders finally had the financial backing to approach the landowner. The 635-acre tract of Trapichitos was purchased in November 2000.
With their new land, this persistent and faithful community has been planning and has nearly completed a number of infrastructural projects. On the old property, they have replaced their temporary houses with permanent ones. The new tract of land will be used for planting a fruit orchard and a communal coffee plantation.
Atlas Coffee Importers LLC, a Seattle-based coffee wholesale buyer/distributor, has formed an important partnership with Trapichitos. A representative visited the village in early 2003 to conduct a formal coffee tasting both to instruct the growers and to ensure a high level of quality before purchase. Atlas Coffee Importers has been Trapichitos’ primary coffee buyer and acts as a distributor/roaster to coffee roasters worldwide.
Trapichitos is a 35-kilometer drive from the municipal capital of Nebaj. A road has been built from Nebaj to Trapichitos but severe washouts and mudslides during the rainy season continue to challenge safe passage. Villagers are currently in the loan repayment process.
Projects planned for the 2008 – 2009 fiscal year include:
- Women’s economic initiatives, like starting small businesses
- Water tank for domestic use
- Values-Based Planning
- Worm composting
- Reforestation projects
