Asmudes will work to increase income for five indigenous communities that reside in a nationally recognized protected area by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving marketing for…

Asmudes will work to increase income for five indigenous communities that reside in a nationally recognized protected area by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving marketing for fruit and value-added products. The project will incorporate practices like incorporating native vegetation among crops to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, ecologically sound, and sustainable agroforestry systems. IT will also strengthen the organizational and marketing capacity of two producer associations to promote greater access to more stable food supplies for their families. Surplus products can be sold as fresh fruit or as value added products in their communities and to consumers demanding healthy products in regional urban centers. Asmudes' activities will strengthen leadership skills among women and young people, promoting their participation as community leaders who are better able to engage and participate in decision making at the municipal level. About 1,390 people will benefit directly, and another 10,350 indirectly.