By Marco Acevedo | Mexico Program Officer, EcoLogic Development Fund
Dear GlobalGiving Supporters,
First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support. Your continued commitment has been instrumental in driving meaningful progress toward improving food security and self-sufficiency for rural families in Chinantla, Oaxaca.
Thanks to you, the home garden initiative in northern Oaxaca continues to flourish. What began as a response to food insecurity has grown into a vibrant, community-led movement rooted in agroecological principles and the deep knowledge of local families.
Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth—not only in the gardens themselves but in the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and pride that surrounds them. Thirty new home gardens were established during this cycle, bringing life to both rural and semi-urban homes. These gardens have become more than places to grow food; they are spaces for intergenerational learning, where grandparents, parents, and children come together to pass down traditions and explore sustainable practices.
Families have begun harvesting a diverse range of seasonal crops, including cucumber, heirloom tomato (jitomate criollo), radish, pumpkin (calabaza), and hibiscus (jamaica). These crops are significantly enriching household diets while reducing dependence on store-bought produce. The inclusion of native and culturally significant species like jitomate criollo and jamaica also supports the preservation of local food traditions and agro-biodiversity.
One of this season’s most heartening successes has been the abundant, chemical-free harvest of radishes. Grown with organic compost and natural pest deterrents, these radishes are now being shared among neighbors, strengthening the informal support networks that make rural life more resilient.
And it doesn’t stop there. Alongside the gardens, families have begun raising native chicks (pollitos criollos), which provide fresh eggs and a way to recycle kitchen waste into compost. This small but mighty addition has helped close the loop—turning the gardens into self-sustaining systems that reflect the ingenuity and care of the people tending them.
At the heart of this initiative are the women of Chinantla, who are leading the way in transforming food systems from the ground up. Their dedication and leadership are what make this work truly sustainable.
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue expanding this effort—reaching more families, offering agroecological trainings, and providing the seeds, tools, and support that allow these gardens to thrive.
Thank you for standing with us. With your support, we are not only cultivating crops—we are cultivating dignity, resilience, and a future rooted in hope.
In partnership,
Marco Acevedo, EcoLogic Program Officer, Mexico
By Marco Acevedo | Mexico Program Officer, EcoLogic Development Fund
By Marco Acevedo | Mexico Program Officer, EcoLogic Development Fund
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