Guatemala

FY 2001 Program Description and Activity Data Sheets

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FY 2001 Program We are extending our Peace Program through FY 2003. Our programs will continue to help the GOG implement its social reform program, modernize the justice sector, implement the land bank and titling programs, and provide opportunities and resources to enable Mayans and war-affected communities more fully participate in democratic development. In addition to the Peace Program, supported with Economic Support Funds (ESF), and the new Hurricane Mitch Special Objective under the CACDRF, USAID provides a range of sustainable development activities to Guatemala in five focus areas. These areas include: democratic development, improved access and quality of education services, improved health for rural women and children, increased rural incomes and food security, and sustainable natural resource management. Geographically, USAID programs target the departments most affected by the civil conflict and highest levels of poverty. The proposed mix of $17.83 million Development Assistance, $7.31 million Child Survival and Disease Program Funds, $20 million of Economic Support Funds, and $24.0 million P.L. 480 Title II in FY 2001 will enable the United States to pursue its highest-priority objectives and help address the root causes of Guatemala's longstanding armed conflict, among them, persistent and widespread poverty and social exclusion and support the new Guatemalan administration in furthering the Peace Process. [an error occurred while processing this directive] ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: More Inclusive and Responsive Democracy, 520-001 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $2,300,000 (DA) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,000,000 (DA) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: Guatemala suffered more than 36 years of internal conflict, which formally ended with the signing of the Peace Accords at the end of 1996. Three years later, despite some progress, many Peace Accord commitments remain unfulfilled. This SO seeks to advance the peace process and deepen democracy by strengthening democratic institutions and expanding effective participation in political life, especially among Mayans and women. USAID's programs are poised to support and encourage the new government and civil society to work together to address key issues. The ultimate beneficiaries will be those individuals and groups that have been largely excluded from participation in the past. Key Results: (1) A more effective and responsive criminal justice system through increased functional integration among key actors, streamlined and improved transparency of justice administration, and improved legal education; (2) Broader, more effective citizen participation in political decision-making by helping civil society organizations (CSOs) focus on public policy related to women, the indigenous, and the rule of law; (3) Increased citizen participation in strengthened local governments by supporting greater citizen involvement in local decision-making and municipal development activities; and (4) Improved quality of public policy through a strengthened national legislature, achieved by improved technical analysis and outreach capabilities of the Congress. Performance and Prospects: Performance during the past year has met expectations. With Peace ESF, the USAID justice activity has promoted greater access to justice, in different parts of the country and is gaining acceptance by the government and other donors of our justice center approach. The Clerk of Courts office in Guatemala City - in its first year of operation -has reduced "lost" cases from over 1,000 to just one. It has succeeded in promoting an equitable and transparent case distribution system, reducing the potential for corruption, relieving congestion and permitting the generation of much needed judicial statistics. The USAID-inspired "justice center" concept serves to integrate the key actors at the local level and promote modern mechanisms of administration of justice. Nevertheless, the justice system still requires major reform including better coordination at the policy level among key institutions in order to address its inability to provide timely and effective justice. USAID seeks to strengthen CSOs and provide them with opportunities to engage state actors on national issues. Most notable in 1999 were the efforts to develop a coalition of CSOs (Kuchuj-Voz Ciudadana) to ensure continuation of the peace process under the new government by influencing the platforms of major political parties and promoting a better informed citizenry. The original 13 USAID-supported CSOs grew to over 25 working together to become a voice in the political dialogue leading up to the elections. The coalition worked with other CSOs to obtain political parties' commitment to an agenda to promote the peace process, compiled the first-ever database on the candidates and fielded over 100 Election Day observers. The challenge for the coalition in the future is to determine what role it will play after the elections. USAID also initiated an innovative "Non-Violence Against Women" activity at the end of 1999 that will work at both the local and national policy level. USAID's local government activity began in 1999 to strengthen the relationship between the local community and local authorities and foster dialogue on national policies affecting municipalities and their citizens. Focusing on municipalities in the department of Quiche, one of the areas hardest hit during the internal conflict, local partners have initiated diagnostic studies and community participation activities. Newly elected mayors and key staff received training during this critical period of transition. A pre-investment fund is being developed to finance feasibility studies and support projects developed through a participatory planning process. USAID's ongoing Special Development Fund, supported with Peace ESF, promotes democratic participation in over 50 small community groups every year mostly in ex-conflictive areas through small development projects (e.g. bridges, road, and school buildings). USAID is working to improve public policy through a strengthened national legislature. Supporting implementation of the Guatemalan Congress' Modernization Plan, USAID helped develop a legislative intern program, under which volunteer students help draft technical studies and bills. Twenty-six volunteers are now paid professionals of the Congress. The compilation of a computerized data base of the over 12,000 laws approved since 1871, along with development of a de-legislation methodology has resulted in the formal rescission of 557 laws. Three regional legislative outreach offices (among the first in Latin America) established outside the capital city provide civic education, constituent services and other activities and events designed to promote closer relations between members of Congress and their electorate. USAID supported the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) voter registration drive (that added almost 300,000 to the voter rolls), the training of electoral workers, and a "get out the vote" campaign. Complementing this, USAID's local government activity also supported debates (average attendance over 400) among mayoral candidates in over 85 municipalities, which focused on a "citizens agenda" developed by local groups. These activities contributed to reversing the historical slide in voter participation rates, with almost 54% of eligible voters participating in the first round of elections. Possible Adjustments to Plans: No major adjustments in the democracy program are anticipated for the near future. USAID is in the middle of a seven-year strategy, and will primarily strengthen existing activities to ensure they support an evolving democracy sector in Guatemala. These will be enforced by a greater emphasis on promoting human rights and national reconciliation. Other Donor Programs: Until recently, USAID has been the lead donor in supporting democratic initiatives, particularly in justice sector reform. Other donors have recently become more involved in supporting Guatemala's justice modernization, with the IDB and the World Bank having signed major programs at the end of 1998. Local government and community development organizations also receive support from several donors, including UNDP, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the IDB. The EU, the OAS, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Spain and Holland also have investments in this sector. The United Nations Verification Mission for Guatemala (MINUGUA) continues to be engaged in human rights verification. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID activities are implemented with the Guatemalan judicial branch, the Public Ministry, San Carlos University Law School, selected municipalities, municipal associations and the National Congress. Activities are managed by a mix of U.S. partners (Checchi, Inc., Creative Associates, Inc., the University of Texas at Austin and Development Alternatives Inc.) and local CSOs. Major Results Indicators: Performance indicators for this program are in part derived from a national survey that tracks trends in public values and attitudes deemed essential for democratic consolidation and sustainability. The first two indices measure the legitimacy of key democratic institutions and support for civil liberties. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) System support index* 40% (1993) N/A 40.1% N/A 46-48% Democratic liberties index* 55% (1993) N/A 60-62% N/A 63-65% % of convictions supported by evidence (Xela and Zacapa) 59-67% (1996) N/A 75-95% 80-100% 85-100% CSO public advocacy effectiveness 23.8% (1998) N/A 29.3% 32.3% 36.3% # of studies completed that support legislative initiatives 3 (1996) 24 46 45 50 * Biannual Democratic Indicators Monitoring Survey (DIMS) NOTE: Activities under USAID's Democracy SO described herein are partially funded by ESF provided through the Peace Special Objective. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: Better Educated Rural Society, 520-002 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $2,535,000 (CSD) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $2,535,000 (CSD) STATUS: New/Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: Since the signing of the Peace Accords in December 1996, a tremendous increase in primary school enrollment has been achieved, largely in rural areas, due to improved access through the Ministry of Education (MOE)'s Community Managed School Program (PRONADE). However, the education system still is characterized by deficits in coverage and quality, as well as centralized decision-making, urban concentration of resources and ethnic and gender inequities. Net primary enrollment nationally is 77%. An estimated 400,000 rural school-age children still are without schooling. In rural areas only two of every ten children attend school, and of these, only about 20% graduate from sixth grade. Half of all Guatemalan school-age children are indigenous, though only 20% attend schools where at least one teacher speaks their mother tongue. Illiteracy affects over 30% of the country's population and more than 65% of rural Mayan women cannot read or write. Due to the inadequacies of the education system, there are one million more illiterate adults every nine years. The purpose of this strategic objective is to increase educational access, raise educational quality, and enhance the capacity and commitment of the Ministry of Education and civil society to carry out strategies that recognize the cultural and linguistic pluralism of the country. Because of the glaring inequities in the education system cited above, USAID has chosen to focus its assistance on targeted interventions to one segment of the population whose needs are not being met by the current system. The direct beneficiaries of USAID assistance include Mayan school-aged children in the Department of Quiche. The indirect beneficiaries include teachers who will be trained in bilingual education programs as well as the future generations of indigenous children who are more likely to be educated because of their parents' improved access to education through the literacy programs supported through USAID's Peace Special Objective. Key Results: (1) Increased access to intercultural and bilingual primary education for Quiche through teacher training, development of multicultural materials and methodologies and increased parent participation; (2) Greater access to education services for rural communities; and (3) Reformed educational policies and strategies that enhance gender and cultural pluralism. Performance and Prospects: USAID's intercultural bilingual primary education program in the Quiche Department began implementation in 1999. Under a Cooperative Agreement with World Learning, USAID, the MOE, and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have initiated implementation of strategies to strengthen teacher training, develop instructional methodologies and materials, and increase parents' participation in schooling for 70,000 Mayan children. These actions will be complemented by programs planned to begin next year that strengthen teacher training through the application of education technologies and provide scholarships for 2,500 rural girls to attend primary school. To support education reforms called for in the Peace Accords, USAID is pursuing a three-pronged approach to strengthen gender equity and cultural pluralism. First, USAID will provide assistance to the MOE to implement selected education reform policies and strategies that improve girl's education and cultural pluralism in the primary school system. Second, USAID will enhance the capacity of key civil society organizations to develop a constituency for education policy change and promote reforms that address the needs of the indigenous. And finally, USAID will work directly with rural communities to promote community participation in schooling and prepare and motivate community members to exercise their rights and responsibilities in education processes. Adult literacy and an indigenous scholarship program funded through USAID's Peace Special Objective complement the activities focused specifically on primary education. During 1999 Save the Children began implementation of an integrated community literacy activity that focuses on training rural community members, especially women and youth, in Mayan and Spanish reading, writing, and numeracy skills linked to community development strategies. The skills training is being provided by local NGOs trained in an innovative methodology designed to reach over 250,000 new literates, most of whom are K'iche' speakers. Studies suggest that children of better educated parents are much more likely to be enrolled and continue their schooling. Similarly, many of the 1,070 indigenous recipients of university scholarships are undertaking degree program in careers related to education, including intercultural bilingual education and rural health education. We expect many of these fully bilingual/biliterate graduates to fill teacher positions in rural schools, supporting ongoing Ministry of Education efforts to expand access to bilingual educational services. USAID also is assisting more than 340 community education promoters who work in refugee and other remote communities to become accredited primary school teachers. One hundred twenty promoters received their accreditation this year. Three local NGOs are providing the professionalization programs for the promoters. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated. Other Donor Programs: The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are providing major education sector loans to facilitate the expansion of USAID education sector pilot activities such as the one-room school model and bilingual intercultural education. USAID is joined by German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the European Union (EU) and others focusing on increasing educational opportunities, especially for the rural indigenous. Donor resources directed toward this objective (during the period 1997-2002) approximate $120 million with USAID being the largest single donor and contributing about 25% of the total. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Grantees and contractors include Rafael Landivar University, Save the Children, Juarez and Associates, World Learning, and local NGOs. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1997) Actual (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Gross primary enrollment ratio in Quiche*   (girls)   (boys) 62.1% 79.6% 64.7% 82.0% 79.1% 97.3% 89% 103% 94% 105% Number of literate persons trained by USAID-supported programs** 0 N/A 18,500 100,000 175,000 Number of indigenous university graduates/ number of indigenous scholarship recipients** 0/0 8/806 18/1252 400/1300 750/1350 * The baseline and targets have been adjusted to reflect (1) new population estimates based on the 1994 National Census and (2) the rapid increase in enrollment through the government's efforts to provide universal access to the first three grades of schooling by 2000 as mandated in the Peace Accords. The indicator measures the number of children of any age who are attending Quiche primary schools divided by the total primary school-age (7-12) population in Quiche. Percents may exceed 100% if there are more children enrolled in primary school than the total school-age population (for example 13-15 year olds enrolled in primary). ** These results are supported through the Peace Special Objective. University graduates/scholarships: The figures present the cumulative number of indigenous scholarship students who have completed university degree programs in relation to the cumulative number of indigenous students who have been awarded a scholarship. There is a time lag between initial enrollment and graduation from the degree programs. Note: Activities under USAID's Education SO described herein are partially funded by ESF provided through the Peace Special Objective. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: Better Health for Rural Women and Children, 520-003 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $4,500,000 (DA), $5,275,000 (CSD) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $8,500,000 (DA), $5,275,000 (CSD) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: Despite a 43% reduction since 1987, Guatemala still has the highest infant mortality rate in Central America and one of the highest in the hemisphere. The high maternal mortality ratio, especially among the indigenous, reflects women's inadequate access to reproductive health services. This SO seeks to improve the health status of Guatemalan women and children at the national level and to diminish the disparity in health indicators between rural Mayan families and the rest of the country. By targeting assistance in seven predominantly indigenous departments, the purpose of the SO is to reduce the infant mortality rate (IMR) by 20% from 51/1000 to 41/1000 live births and to decrease the total fertility rate (TFR) from 5.1 to 4.8 births during the 1995-2002 period. Since the IMR and TFR are 14% and 24% higher, respectively, among Mayans than the national averages for these indicators, USAID is developing new approaches to improve the quality and accessibility of maternal-child health (MCH) services in indigenous communities. An important element of these new models is the reduction of cultural confrontation between indigenous and western health systems. USAID supports both the Guatemalan Government and local NGOs in their efforts to improve health practices. The direct beneficiaries of USAID assistance include men and women of reproductive age and children under five years of age who are gaining access to preventive and curative MCH services, including reproductive health. Key Results: (1) Increased use of MCH services by enhancing demand for health care and improving the quality of care provided at health facilities and by community health workers; (2) Better management of MCH programs of both the public sector and local NGOs by improving logistics systems to guarantee well stocked rural health facilities, and by strengthening financial and administrative systems; and, (3) Stronger Guatemalan commitment to integrated women's health by engaging local NGOs in advocacy for reproductive rights and helping policy makers use reliable demographic and health data to define policies that will permit more Guatemalan couples to elect the number and spacing of their children. Performance and Prospects: The GOG's Health Sector Reform initiated in 1996 is proving successful. Coverage of health services greatly increased during 1999, especially in the poorest and most remote rural areas of Guatemala. Countrywide, about 3.5 million inhabitants that previously did not have access to health care services are being served by NGOs contracted by the Guatemala's Ministry of Health (MOH). The new model of health services is based on a public-private partnership, whereby the MOH regulates the system and provides financial resources and supplies, and NGOs provide the human capital and local expertise. The activities are specifically designed to address the factors that give rise to the urban-rural differentials in terms of use of family planning methods, vaccination coverage, prenatal care, intra- and post-partum care, maternal mortality, and infant mortality. These include increasing the geographic and linguistic accessibility of services; improving health providers' technical competence, interpersonal communication skills and cross-cultural understanding; and strengthening behavior-change efforts and referral systems. USAID provides technical assistance, training and selected supplies. Although many outbreaks of infectious diseases were expected after Hurricane Mitch, the MOH, with support from the national and international community, was able to contain the spread of disease for the most part and mobilized its resources in a highly professional manner. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is providing support to the MOH and selected NGOs to strengthen local health providers to prevent and treat diarrheal diseases, malaria and dengue, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is providing support to local and central levels of the MOH to increase immunization coverage. The progress shown from 1995 to 1998-1999 in lowering the infant mortality rate and increasing contraceptive prevalence and immunization coverage was very impressive. New more ambitious targets have been set for 2002. Possible Adjustments to Plans: No major adjustments to the approved strategy are anticipated. Other Donor Programs: The IDB is financing a two-phased health sector reform loan to improve access to basic health services in rural areas and to improve hospital efficiency. USAID coordinates closely with the IDB and the Ministry of Health in the design of community health reforms and provides technical assistance for the implementation of reforms at the local level, especially in the predominantly indigenous areas of the western highlands. USAID and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) enjoy a productive working relationship, especially in the area of childhood immunization. Plans are underway for a joint USAID-PAHO initiative to continue improving immunization coverage. USAID continues its lead role in the area of reproductive health with other donors such as the European Union and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) gradually delivering increased support to reduce maternal mortality and improve reproductive health in the country. USAID is the major donor contributing approximately half of all donor support in the health sector. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Current long-term grantees include the Ministry of Health, the Social Security Institute, the Family Welfare Association (APROFAM), Project Concern International, the Population Council, Management Sciences for Health, and a local pharmaceutical distributor (IPROFASA). Current long-term partners operating under USAID/W projects include the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Reproductive Health (Maternal Neonatal Health Project), John Snow Incorporated (Family Planning Logistics Management Project), the Futures Group International (Policy Project) and the Population Council (Frontiers Project). Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1995) Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2002) Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 live births 51 -- 45 -- 41 Total Fertility Rate 5.1 -- 5.0 -- 4.8 Contraceptive Prevalence Rate 31% -- 38% -- 41% % of Children 12-23 Months Fully Immunized 43% -- 60% -- 70% % of Children < 5 Years Treated for Pneumonia 41% -- 37% -- 45% % of Children < 5 Years Using Oral Rehydration Therapy or Increased Liquid Intake During Diarrheal Disease 51% -- 59% -- 65% Couple Years of Protection 390,300 (1996) 451,657 465,207 479,163 503,121 (2001) Note: Demographic Health Survey reporting 1995, 1999, and 2002 only. New targets have been set for 2002. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased Rural Household Income and Food Security, 520-004 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,350,000 (DA) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $4,830,000 (DA) STATUS: New/Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: Poverty in Guatemala is pervasive and severe. The 1998/99 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) showed that 67 percent of indigenous children under 5 years of age are chronically malnourished. This is strongly linked with the fact that the indigenous and rural populations have the greatest likelihood of being poor. Access to land and credit is out of reach for those living in rural areas. The lack of adequate economic opportunity to produce sufficient food or to earn enough income to purchase food contributes to malnutrition. The poor in Guatemala spend 70% of their total income to purchase basic foods that are often of low nutritional value. The primary objective of this SO is to increase the capacity of a significant number of poor rural families, particularly women and indigenous people, in selected areas of the country to improve their income. Many of the target communities were also those most affected by the civil conflict. The direct beneficiaries of actions under this SO will be small farmers, microentrepreneurs, and food aid program participants. The indirect beneficiaries will be rural communities living within the selected geographic areas of intervention. Key Results: (1) Small farmers engage in higher-value production, secure land titles, use sustainable agricultural production practices, and use market information to increase sales; (2) Microentrepreneurs expand their businesses by accessing financial and technical services; (3) Market towns stimulate economic activity by attracting public and private investments; and, (4) Improved family nutrition supported by food aid programs to reduce chronic malnutrition in children under five years of age. Performance and Prospects: P.L. 480 Title II typically provides approximately one-third of the resources needed to carry out USAID's integrated strategy. The programs implemented by the P.L. 480 Title II Cooperating Sponsors (CARE, Catholic Relief Services, and SHARE) continue to form the primary basis for outreach to the rural poor under this strategic objective. During FY99, they provided a monthly food ration and health education to 74,215 mothers and 106,868 children. They also provided a series of sustainable agriculture and microenterprise services to their families. In early 2000, Save the Children will begin Title II activities that will benefit an additional 28,000 people in the Ixil Triangle area. With funding provided through the Peace Special Objective, USAID is continuing to expand activities in the target geographic area which is the most physically remote, has the least amount of infrastructure, where most of the civil conflict occurred, and where poverty and child malnutrition levels are the highest in the country. USAID continues to work with the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) and the Canadian Center for Studies and International Cooperation (CECI) in two particularly remote areas that suffered heavily during the civil conflict. In 1999, USAID expanded its partner base by executing new agreements with the Nontraditional Exporters Guild (AGEXPRONT) for the Industry for Peace (INDUPAZ) initiative, and the Salesians Missions for an innovative farmer training program with the Q'eq'chi indigenous group. USAID continues to work closely with the Rural Development Bank and selected partners to provide technical and financial assistance to microentrepreneurs and a major expansion of efforts is expected in 2000. USAID is continuing support to the National Coffee Association (ANACAFE) to help small coffee farmer organizations obtain access to loans and technical assistance in their communities. Small farmer organic coffee exports continue to grow as a result of USAID support to ANACAFE. A new agreement signed with CARE in 1999 will support sustainable agriculture in key watersheds of Alta Verapaz. A major contract should be in place in early 2000 with a U.S. for-profit firm to manage a program to support Guatemalan microenterprise NGO efforts to expand in the target geographic area as well as assist the Ministry of Agriculture expand their support for a privatized agricultural extension service. USAID is also working closely with two larger Guatemalan microenterprise NGOs to help expand credit and technical service delivery for microentrepreneurs to target areas. In early 2000 USAID will sign a Development Credit Authority (DCA) agreement with the Guatemalan private Coffee Bank that will leverage $5 million of their own funds for lending in the target geographic area. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: USAID coordinates closely with the World Food Programme on food aid issues: the World Bank on land titling, watershed management issues and activities in the Peten; the Interamerican Development Bank on activities in the Peten, Huehuetenango, the Ixcan and watershed management issues; the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and GTZ on activities in Quiche and Alta Verapaz; and the European Union on activities in the Peten. USAID continues to provide approximately 20% of all donor contributions that currently support Guatemala rural household income and food security activities. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Current implementing organizations supporting this SO are: Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF), Canadian Center for Studies and International Cooperation (CECI), CARE, National Coffee Association (ANACAFE), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Salesians Missions, the Guatemalan Nontraditional Exporters Association (AGEXPRONT), SHARE, Feed the Children, and Save the Children (early 2000). Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1997) Actual (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Small farmers in target areas with secure land titles 0 N/A 3,973 5,300 8,000 Small farmers use sustainable agricultural practices 0 4,000 17,500 19,500 23,000 Microentrepreneurs assisted to meet financial/technical needs 0 5,000 12,500 17,400 23,400 Increased public/private investment in the focus areas 0 N/A $1.7 mill. $3 mill. $4 mill. Percent of children under the age of five years who are malnourished in food aid program Share 37.0% CARE 52.1% CRS 63% 33.3% 46.9% 56.7% N/A 40% N/A 27% 38% 46% 24% 34% 39% NOTE: Activities under USAID's Income SO described herein are partially funded with Peace ESF and Title II. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved Natural Resources Management and Conservation of Biodiversity, 520-005 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,000,000 (DA) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $4,000,000 (DA) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: The Guatemalan Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) forms the core of the largest tract of intact tropical forests remaining in Meso-America and is one of the most important regions in the world in terms of biological diversity. The 1.5 million-hectare reserve has thin fragile soils in which farmers practice slash and burn agriculture which adds to environmental degradation. In 1992, Government of Guatemala (GOG) analysis of deforestation found that if existing trends continued unabated, by 2010 the MBR would be destroyed by the advancing agricultural frontier. The purpose of the strategic objective is to stabilize the agricultural frontier, conserve the MBR, and promote a more sustainable development path for the region focusing on tourism, forestry and other income alternatives for marginalized populations. USAID supports the consolidation of a National System of Parks and Reserves (SIGAP) as a strategic foundation for long term sustainable development. SIGAP comprise 26% of the nation's territory. The Maya Biosphere alone, established with USAID support, represents 74% of SIGAP. Direct beneficiaries include the population living in and around the MBR (approximately 87,000 in 1998) and national constituencies interested in parks, tourism, conservation, forestry and environmental quality. Indirect beneficiaries are national and international in scope, including future generations. Key Results: (1) People adopt more sustainable, environmentally sound practices as a result of the dissemination of "best management practices" for sustainable agriculture, timber and non-timber forest products, ecotourism and other enterprises; 2) Policies affecting the environment are improved and applied by defining a policy reform agenda, building environmental constituencies, strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders and organizations to identify and analyze policy constraints, and by implementing corrective measures, such as forest management concessions; and, 3) More responsive institutions and increased local participation in decision-making related to natural resource management through the promotion of greater private, municipal, and community participation in the administration of parks and forest reserves. Performance and Prospects: Accomplishments met or surpassed targets for 1999. Significant advances related to park management were made and deforestation rates fell significantly in key units of the MBR. For the first time, there were no major setbacks related to forest fires. Moreover, there were no large invasions of park lands. Thus, unlike previous years, there was not significant loss of habitat this year. Non-USAID funding for counterpart organizations increased significantly; 40 agreements were signed to facilitate community participation in natural resource management and conservation; 640 land titling deeds were granted to families; and, 51% of the target population adopted one or more of the sustainable practices promoted by the program. The performance is attributed to a maturing program and the fact that the Government of Guatemala (GOG) demonstrated unprecedented leadership, commitment and coordination in promoting a more sustainable development path for the MBR focusing on tourism and forestry, rather than production of corn and cattle as in the past. The GOG also facilitated processes for enhanced participation of civil society organizations in MBR planning and management, exemplified by agreements with local NGOs for co-administration of parks. Progress was made in generating a unified policy related to oil activities in fragile lands and protected areas. On the policy front, USAID supported the National Commission of the Environment (CONAMA) to improve enforcement and application of laws and regulations concerning settlement and infrastructure within protected areas. With USAID technical support, CONAMA, the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) agreed upon the content of the "Environmental Policy for Exploration, Exploitation and Transport of Petroleum and Natural Gas." A new regulation for Environmental Impact Assessments and audits and a National Climate Change Action Plan and National Biodiversity Strategy were developed under CONAMA leadership. Under CONAP's leadership, 24 MBR communities are participating in the development and implementation of sustainable forest management agreements on 390,000 hectares in the MBR's Multiple Use Zone. An additional 20 communities are working with CONAP under other types of formal agreements to help stabilize land use and decrease forest conversion in the rest of the MBR. CONAP's fire prevention and management plan helped reduce the area affected by fires in 1999 to less than 10% of that affected in 1998. Also, a concerted effort is being made to ensure inclusion of women in income-generating activities, credit, and organizational assistance. Possible Adjustments to Plans: USAID's current agreement with the GOG ends December 2001. Independent consultants are helping USAID review the existing program strategy and results to date, document lessons learned, and develop alternatives for a new agreement to be negotiated with the GOG in June 2000. Prospects for future support in the environmental policy arena will also be assessed and a new indicator to track progress on policy dialogue presented. A new focus is expected on institutional strengthening in the areas of policy reform and in improved resource management. Special attention will be given to improving program effectiveness; working with partners to develop and apply a unified petroleum policy and best management practices; promoting transparency and increased participation of all stakeholders, especially civil society, in the development and application of environmental policies regulations; and meeting key Peace Accord objectives related to the environment. Other Donor Programs: USAID has coordinated and collaborated with many other donors working in the area, such as: the European Union, German Technical Cooperation, Inter-American Development Bank, Canadian Center for Studies and International Cooperation (CECI), World Bank, Global Environmental Fund (GEF), Government of Japan, MacArthur Foundation, and U.S. agencies (Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service). Implementing partners contribute significant matching funds toward program costs. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Implementing organizations include: the Government of Guatemala's National Environmental Commission (CONAMA), the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP), CARE International, Center for Tropical Agriculture Investigations and Studies (CATIE), Department of Energy/Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, Rodale, and local NGO partners (Centro Maya, Defensores de la Naturaleza, Kanan Caax, and Naturaleza para la Vida). New or additional partners may also be selected to implement activities now under design. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1997) Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) % of target population adopting improved ag. practices 35 36 51 56 60 Hectares of threatened forest lands conserved (1993) 170,000 (1997) 520,000 670,000 N/A 700,000 Hectares (millions) officially protected 1.95 2.11 2.15 2.16 2.17 Hectares under contract/ concession for sustainable forest management (1994) 7,000 99,000 300,000 400,000 525,000 Sustainable productive enterprises established in communities 6 31 40 50 60 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: Support the Implementation of the Peace Accords, 520-006 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $20,000,000 (ESF) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $20,000,000 (ESF) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: Social, economic and political exclusion affecting more than half the Guatemalan population gave rise to the civil conflict that plagued the country for more than three decades. Committed Guatemalan leadership, backed by strong international support and the participation of key Guatemalan civil society actors led to the negotiated settlement in December 1996. The Peace Accords establish a framework for transforming Guatemala into a more participatory, pluralistic and equitable society. They call for fundamental reforms to the structure of government, the justice system, tax policy, and to social service delivery schemes. This special objective provides direct support to the Government of Guatemala (GOG) and private organizations, including an array of local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to assist them in meeting key commitments of the Accords. War affected populations in the formerly conflictive and resettlement zones are the primary beneficiaries of this program. The entire population of Guatemala, however, benefits from the dividends of achieving a lasting peace and more stable democracy. Key Results: USAID's special objective focuses on four key elements of the Peace Accords: (1) advancing national reconciliation; (2) developing human capacity (educational skills) required for broader participation; (3) broadening access to factors of production in exconflictive areas; and (4) modernizing State institutions (e.g., the justice system, tax administration, congress, and local governments) to achieve rapid implementation of the Peace Accords. Performance and Prospects: USAID's initial funding under this objective provided assistance crucial to the successful demobilization and reinsertion of 5,000 excombatants, to the establishment and operation of special commissions charged with developing more detailed implementation plans for social and justice sector reforms, and to the construction of infrastructure vital to linking resettled or war-affected populations with urban centers. USAID (as the single largest bilateral donor) contributed to financing the Historical Clarification Commission (HCC) and to the dissemination of its findings, which is now available in five Mayan languages. In response to the HCC recommendations in 1999, USAID designed and launched a program to provide direct assistance to communities most affected by the violence and human rights violations. Administered by the International Organization on Migration, this program has thus far awarded grants to ten local NGOs for activities in 100 communities, including the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropological Foundation (FAFG) which is carrying out exhumations. By 2000 year end, we expect 40 exhumations to have been initiated or completed. Program activities funded are those identified and prioritized by the communities, which in nearly all cases include mental health services, and educational assistance for orphaned youths. Land and access to land is one of the chief sources of conflict in Guatemala. Recognizing this, USAID helped to capitalize a Land Fund to finance land purchases, to establish a GOG entity to help mediate land conflicts (CONTIERRA), and to support joint GOG-NGO efforts to accelerate the land titling process and give farmers clear legal title to lands they had worked and/or purchased. Through this assistance, 2,938 families or an estimated of 17,628 people have been assisted, 640 titles have been granted to farmers, and another 2,746 deeds have been awarded with final title soon to be conveyed. Separately, with peace program support, over 300,000 hectares of land have been legally designated for environmentally sustainable agroforestry which is managed by, and benefits, communities and cooperatives in areas bordering the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Ethnicity and gender determines disparities in nearly all social and economic indicators in Guatemala. The difference between Mayans and Ladinos in terms of literacy and higher education is especially pronounced. In 1996, it was estimated that 70% of Mayan women were illiterate and no more than 3 of every 100 university graduates were of Mayan descent. To help address this gap, USAID's peace program helped establish a university fellowship program for Mayan leaders. Currently, 1,070 individuals (48% women) are enrolled in major Guatemalan universities in critical careers such as legal translators, intercultural/bilingual education, nursing, and business administration. In addition, 120 of 250 candidates selected by their communities have completed their studies and have been certified as bilingual teachers. The remaining candidates will complete their professional training and receive their certification within the next year. USAID also awarded a competitively let grant to Save the Children Federation to support literacy efforts of local private organizations in the most remote regions of Guatemala. The first grants are being awarded this year and will provide literacy training to an estimated 250,000 individuals by the end of 2002, focusing primarily on indigenous women and youths. At present, 18,500 youth and adults are participating in the USAID-supported literacy program. USAID's modernization of the state program supports fiscal reform and improved tax administration, strengthening of local government, legislative development, and judicial reform. With USAID assistance, the GOG developed and has executed the first phase of a comprehensive plan for overhauling tax administration and improving revenue collection - a sine qua non for fulfilling the Peace Accord commitments. The recently established Superintendent of Tax Administration has increased tax collections through greater enforcement of the value-added tax and performing more regular inspections. However, this is insufficient to meet increased social sector spending targets and further reforms are under study by a Fiscal Pact Commission. Peace funding, combined with support provided through USAID/Guatemala's Democracy Strategic Objective, has supported efforts to increase informed citizen participation and ensure effective institutional support relating to electoral events, such as the referendum held in May 1999 and the most recent national elections. USAID's funding for justice reform helped GOG authorities to improve and expand access to services through better coordination and improved case-intake systems. During 1999, the number of "justice centers" assisted was expanded to six to include Nebaj, as well as Escuintla, Quetzaltenango, Zacapa, San Benito and Santa Eulalia. The newly appointed Supreme Court, selected through a much more open participatory process, has pledged to deepen and accelerate the reform process and address the issue of judicial corruption. With implementation of the Peace Accords entering its fourth year, most observers agree that the road ahead will be more difficult, as the memories of the more recent conflict diminish and citizen expectations for greater prosperity and increased social services grow. Moreover, the GOG faces the more difficult task of implementing reforms (as compared to establishing the legal framework for reform), as well as pushing ahead on the more intransigent and controversial issues such as fiscal reform. The newly elected Administration has pledged its support for deepening the reform process and tackling these issues. USAID and other donor financial support will be crucial in FY 2000 and beyond. Our programs will provide the GOG with the requisite technical support to implement its fiscal reform program, to modernize the justice sector, to fully implement the land bank and titling program, and to provide opportunities and resources to enable the war-affected communities and the Mayan population to more fully participate in the democratic development of Guatemala. We will also intensify our efforts to support national reconciliation. We will help to build the institutions and awareness essential to ensuring Guatemalans never again face the human rights violations of the past. Possible Adjustments to Plans: The Special Objective was originally planned to end in FY 2000. However, a re-calendarization of Peace Accord targets was agreed upon in consultation with the United Nations Monitoring Mission. As described herein, USAID plans to continue its support for the Peace Accord implementation with obligations through FY 2003. Other Donor Programs: The GOG's estimate of the cost of financing Peace Accord commitments through CY 2000 is approximately $2.3 billion. The IDB, the World Bank, the European Union, Japan, Spain and the Nordic countries pledged just over $1.6 billion toward the process. These funds are supporting infrastructure projects, establishment of a new civilian police force, justice sector reform, strengthening of civil society organizations, and direct assistance to war-affected communities. A Consultative Group meeting planned for later in 2000 with the new Government will serve to define future program priorities and financial needs. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID's program supports reform and service delivery programs being carried out by all three branches of the Guatemalan Government. Our implementing partners include the United Nations Development Program, the International Organization for Migration, international and U.S. NGO's (e.g., CARE, Conservation International, the Cooperative Housing Foundation and the Canadian Center for Studies and International Cooperation), the University of Texas, and numerous Guatemalan universities, private foundations and NGOs. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Social sector investment as % of GDP (1995) 2.51% 3.28% 3.48% 3.78% 4.0% Tax revenue as % of GDP (1995) 7.6% 9.3% 9.5% 11.4% 11.7 Cumulative number of recommendations from Peace Commissions supported (1997) 0 4 5 7 10 # of people benefiting from completed land transactions (1997) 0 8,615 17,628 19,000 22,000 # of people benefiting from community infrastructure (1997) 45,000 N/A 122,500 180,000 N/A Adults illiteracy rates reduced (1997) 35% 32.6% 31% 30% 29% U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Guatemala TITLE AND NUMBER: Rural Economy Recovers from Mitch and is Less Vulnerable to Disasters, 520-007 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: none PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: none STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: Hurricane Mitch was one of the most destructive storms to affect Central America. Torrential rainfall over an already rain soaked isthmus caused devastating floods and mudslides. In Guatemala just under 400 people were killed or reported missing, 105,000 were evacuated, and 750,000 were affected. Property damage exceeded $66.6 million including damages to over 21,000 homes and to 121 bridges. Economic activity in 1999 dropped by one percent as a result of the storm. Especially affected were small farmers and communities in the five departments of Alta Verapaz, Izabal, Zacapa, Chiquimula and northern Quiche. In these departments small farmer productive capacity suffered setbacks as a result of destroyed small-scale irrigation systems, landslides, destruction of farm to market roads, and direct loss of crops such as corn, coffee and cardamom and animals due to the floods. The rehabilitation of rural areas affected by Hurricane Mitch is the main focus of the Mitch Special Objective (SpO). U.S. grant assistance under the SpO is helping Guatemala's rural economy recover from the devastation brought on by the hurricane. This targeted two-year assistance effort is strengthening national and community level disaster preparedness, helping recover sustainable agricultural productivity, and improving disease prevention and control programs. Activities are concentrated in and around three river valleys: the Motagua, Polochic and Chixoy. Beneficiares include communities, small farmers, and microentrepreneurs most directly affected by Hurricane Mitch. All Guatemalans will benefit from improved national, departamental, and community emergency disaster plans. Key Results: (1) Disaster preparedness enhanced through risk mapping and data collection, strengthened community organizations, and a strengthened network of the National Disaster Coordinating Committee (CONRED); (2) Agricultural productivity recovered on more sustainable basis through rehabilitation of small irrigation systems, improved watershed management, seed recovery and multiplication, microenterprise recovery, and rural road repair; and (3) Community disease prevention and control systems strengthened through enhanced malaria and disease prevention and control programs, and construction of water and sanitation programs accompanied by health education activities. Performance and Prospects: This special objective was approved by USAID in May 1999, and the $28 million special objective agreement was signed with the Government of Guatemala (GOG) on July 22, 1999. Key GOG ministries, including Agriculture (MAGA), Planning (SEGEPLAN), Health (MOH) and CONRED, played primary roles in the collaborative development of the agreement. Construction of gabions (riprap) along the Motagua River Basin to protect homes and farm lands from future flooding has been initiated. Agreements signed with USACE, CARE, CRS, the National Coffee Association (ANACAFE), and the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) support a range of activities to reactivate agricultural production in the areas most directly affected by Mitch. An Agriculture Recovery and Watershed Coordination Committee co-chaired by the USAID Mission and MAGA, is ensuring coordination of USAID and other donor activities. Progress to date in all three IRs has been limited largely to start up. CARE and CRS have begun contacting target communities, and NOAA, under its IAA, has initiated equipment installation to replace damaged weather stations. Riverbank protection work has progressed, and CARE has initiated contracting of tree seedlings for reforestation. Both CARE and CRS have identified target communities for water systems and have begun system planning , and CDC has begun identifying target communities for the malaria control bed net program. USG agencies (NOAA, USGS and FEMA), as well as CARE and CRS, is also providing technical assistance, training and equipment to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation capabilities of communities as well as national level institutions. The Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Working Group, which meets weekly, is ensuring coordination of USG-assistance with other donors. NOAA's National Weather Service replaced ten key weather stations with new equipment, and provided training to CONRED personnel in flood forecasting and on early warning systems. Lastly, community disease prevention activities such as water and sanitation education and vector control are being targeted on affected communities through agreements with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), CARE and CRS. Development of the baseline for the health impact survey tool to be used for measuring effectiveness of disease prevention has been underway since October 1999. All partners are fully mobilized and well positioned to meet targets established for the program. Within the coming year, 25 community-level disaster coordination committees will be established with each developing an emergency management plan, and disaster communications and early warning within the CONRED system will be strengthened through IAA (NOAA and USGS) support and USAID assistance to the development of a national Geographic Information System. Five kilometers of riverbank will be protected, 7,500 hectares of land will be reforested, 5,000 small farmers will rehabilitate their farmland, 13,000 micro-entrepreneurs will receive credit, and 280 kilometers of road will be rehabilitated. Twenty high malaria incidence communities will be selected for bed net distribution, 46 community water systems and 300 wells will be reconstructed and/or rehabilitated, and an emergency plan for dengue control will be developed and disseminated in high risk areas. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated. Other Donor Programs: Major donors include the InterAmerican Development Bank, UNDP, Spain, Sweden, Japan and the European Union. Donor coordination has been effective and the GOG encourages donors to meet together to discuss actions related to the national reconstruction plan as projected in the Stockholm Consultative Group Meeting in 1999. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Guatemalan grantees include MAGA, ANACAFE, and Del Valle University, and USG agencies and PVOs involved in the direct implementation include USACE, USGS, NOAA, USDA, DOD, FEMA, CDC, CARE, CRS, and CHF. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline/Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Emergency action plans completed    National    Departmental    Local 0 0 0 0 3 15 1 6 30 River, land, and small scale irrigation system rehabilitation    Kilometers of riverbank 2 3 7 Rural road repair in Ixcan, Quiche, and Alta Verapaz    Kilometers of road 10 130 280 Household water and sanitation programs established in selected communities.   % increase in latrine   use and hygiene   practices 0 Baseline 35% U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)

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