African Palm Oil and Caserio La Ayuda

The community of La Ayuda in Southern Guatemala is completely surrounded on all sides by a massive african palm plantation. Palm oil is extracted from the palm fruit and processed for use as biofuel and cooking oil. The african palm crops are causing contamination and desertification in La Ayuda. Residents do not have access to a reliable supply of clean well water or enough land for sufficient food production. Promises by the Guatemalan government to improve water access and wells in the community have not been met. Massive mono-crops like this african palm plantation are often referred to as “green deserts” because they use up land area and natural resources at the expense of food security for the local population. The people in La Ayuda (especially community leaders) face threats and intimidation because they choose to stay on their land.