Xeucalvitz
“Halfway up the Hill”
Nebaj, Quiché, Guatemala
Size: 268 acres
Population: 71 families
Founded: 2004
The first inhabitants of Xeucalvitz arrived 200 years ago to colonize the land. They chose Sumal, which was one of the largest villages in the Nebaj region. These people came from the urban perimeter of Nebaj, but for monetary reasons they had to sell their land and homes, forcing them to emigrate to the villages.
Xeucalvitz means “land halfway up the hill,” which is exactly where the village is located. There are currently 108 families that live in the village, most of whom came from other nearby communities when fire and destruction forced them off their land during the armed conflict in the 80s. Most have insufficient land to cultivate crops and therefore must rent additional land in order to grow corn and beans to make a living. The community has organized and looked for institutions to finance their purchase of property and houses to protect them from severe weather, sickness and other dangers.
The community has shown interest in developing new agricultural and animal husbandry projects that will allow them to improve and transform their lives. Agros began working with the community and finalized their land purchase in 2003. Presently they are working to increase coffee production and diversify other crops.
Projects planned for 2009 - 2010 fiscal year include:
- Environmental conservation through inorganic waste management
- Build a new greenhouse for tomato crops
- Coffee project
- Housing improvements
- Leadership development
- Health-related discussions and workshops
