In the community of Chactelá, in the village of Sajquim, municipality of Tacaná, San Marcos, lives Don William González—a farmer deeply committed to his land and the well-being of his family. For years, Don William faced one of the greatest challenges any agricultural producer can encounter: water scarcity.
“These days the water sources are drying up, and there are no more streams like there used to be,” he explains. The difficulties were constant—not only for his crops but also for the most basic household needs. “Sometimes we’d go three days without being able to wash clothes because we didn’t have water,” he recalls.
This situation severely impacted the daily life and productivity of many families in his community, limiting their access to food, work, and development opportunities.
Aware of this reality, Don William became a beneficiary of the project: “Strengthening the food and nutritional security of vulnerable populations in three rural communities in Tacaná”, funded by Fundación FABRE and the Regional Government of Castilla y León (Spain), with technical support from FUNDAP.
The project introduced Integrated Agricultural Production Systems to his community, designed to ensure year-round food availability. Each system includes three key components:
- A 16,000-liter rainwater harvesting tank, ensuring irrigation even during the dry season
- A macro tunnel greenhouse, protecting crops from extreme weather conditions like heavy rains, strong winds, or frost
- A drip irrigation system, which optimizes water use by delivering it directly where and when the crops need it
Thanks to this system, Don William was able to completely transform his productive unit. “Now I can grow tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeños all year round without worrying about the lack of water,” he says enthusiastically. His production is no longer tied to a season; now his family has a steady supply of food and additional income from selling at the local market.
“One year later, I can say this changed my life. I no longer have to worry about the dry season. The water is there, and the land gives what we sow. I never imagined my family could make a living from what we produce with our own hands,” he says emotionally.
This progress has improved not only his household economy but also his hope for the future. “Today, thanks to these systems, we have food, work, and hope. And that’s what remains in my community,” he affirms.
Don William’s story is a clear example of the impact that a well-designed and sustainable intervention can have. Through the coordinated work of FUNDAP, Fundación FABRE, and the Junta de Castilla y León, real conditions have been created so that families like his can confront climate change, improve their agricultural production, and secure a more dignified life.
