Guatemala
Since 2017, we have operated through a joint office with ACT Church of Sweden, Bread for the World, and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). LWF hosts the joint program, providing legal registration and administrative infrastructure. The joint country strategy for 2023–2028 is implemented by a local program team under the name 'Jotay ACTing Together'. All the work is implemented through local partners.
Challenges and response
Context: Guatemala is a country characterized by widening gap between rich and poor. An indigenous majority has traditionally been marginalized from full participation in the society. Between 1960 and 1996 about 200 000 people were killed during an armed conflict in Guatemala. Today there is increased participation in the society from indigenous people and women. In the second half of 2023 a massive mobilization from the civil society demanded that the presidential election results should be respected. In 2025, Guatemala has still an elected democratic government and represent a positive development in Central America where authoritarianism is increasing.
Gender Justice
NCA Guatemala promotes multidimensional gender justice, eliminating discrimination based on gender in all spheres. We work to establish equal and dignified relationships between genders, enabling girls, teenage girls, and women to live free of violence, participate actively in society, and influence decisions affecting their lives. Our programs support women's socioeconomic development and advocate for their rights through education, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Environmental Management and Sustainable Territories
We support sustainable management of natural resources to fulfill people's needs, ensure food rights, and enhance resilience to climate and environmental risks. Our programs empower indigenous women and youth to promote and defend sustainable development models in their territories. We focus on climate change adaptation, food security, and improving quality of life through community-led initiatives.
Rule of Law and Civil Democratic Security
NCA Guatemala advocates for governance models that uphold human rights and liberties. We empower women, men, and youth, especially indigenous people, farmers, and migrants to exercise active citizenship and influence democratic transformation. Our programs support civil society in holding the government accountable for protecting rights and implementing policies and resources.
Risk and Disaster Management
We strengthen community resilience through organisation and preparedness for emergencies. Our humanitarian response ensures dignity and addresses the differentiated needs of populations at risk or affected by disasters. Through the ACT Forum, we coordinate timely emergency responses and rooted advocacy at national and global levels.
Norwegian Church Aid in Guatemala
Been present since
1976
in Guatemala
In 2024, we spent
457.980
EURO in Guatemala
Partners
- Asociación de Comunidades Forestales de Petén - ACOFOP
- Asociación de Desarrollo Integral Comunitario - ADICI
- Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral de las Víctimas de la Violencia en las Verapaces - ADIVIMA
- Asociación Grupo Integral de Mujeres Sanjuaneras - AGIMS
- Asociación de Servicios Comunitarios de Salud - ASECSA
- Asociación Caja Lúdica
- Asociación Colectivo Madre Selva
- Asociación de Forestaría Comunitaria Utz Che´
- Asociación de Mujeres de Petén - IXQIK -
- Asociación Nuevos Horizontes
- Asociación para el avance de las ciencias sociales en Guatemala - AVANCSO
- Asociación por Nosotras Ixmucane
- Asociación Santiago Jocotán
- Bufete por los Derechos Humanos
- Centro Evangélico de Estudios Pastorales en Centroamérica - CEDEPCA
- Centro de estudios comunitarios y apoyo sicosocial -ECAP
- Centro de Paz Bárbara Ford
- Comisión Paz y Ecología -COPAE
- Coordinadora de Cooperativas y Ong´s -CONGCOOP
- Coordinadora de Asociaciones Agropecuarias de Peten - COACAP
- Foro ACT / CEDEPCA
- Fundación Myrna Mack
- Fundación para el Desarrollo y Fortalecimiento de las Organizaciones de Base – FUNDEBASE
- Grupo Guatemalteco de Mujeres – GGM
- Iglesia Luterana de Guatemala - ILUGUA-
- Instituto Centroamericano de Estudios Fiscales -ICEFI
- Pastoral Social de la Diócesis de Quiché
- Plataforma Internacional contra la Impunidad
- Plataforma de Economía Solidaria - PECOSOL
- Red de mujeres chiquimultecas - RED MUCH
- Servicios Jurídicos y Sociales -SERJUS-
- Sociedad Civil para el Desarrollo de la Juventud -SODEJU
- Unidad de Defensores de Derechos Humanos de Guatemala -UDEFEGUA
Our donors in Guatemala
All donors
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
Country Advisor Guatemala and Haiti
Johan Hindahl
Tel: 932 42 462
E-mail:
Johan.Hindahl@nca.no
LinkedIn:
Johan Hindahl
Contact
Jotay ACTuando Juntas, 11 Calle 1-35 Zona 2 interior Finca El Zapote, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Phone: +502-4063-7441
Why
Guatemala faces a legacy of violence, inequality, and climate vulnerability. Indigenous communities, in particular, struggle with food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to resources. Climate change has worsened these challenges, with rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns
threatening traditional agriculture. Many families are forced to migrate in search of better opportunities, leaving behind their land and culture.
How
Through its partnership with the Quiché Diocese, NCA supports integrated projects that empower farmers—especially women—to adapt to climate change and reclaim traditional agricultural knowledge. Initiatives include training in climate-resilient farming, greenhouse vegetable production, and Indigenous rights. The Church plays a central role, offering both technical support and spiritual guidance, while promoting gender equality and cultural preservation.
Result
Farmers like Maria Sakarias Vicente have gained economic independence and improved food security through sustainable agriculture. Her success in broccoli farming supports her children’s education and strengthens her role in the household. The Church’s commitment to ecological justice and Indigenous empowerment has fostered resilience, dignity, and hope in vulnerable communities. These efforts demonstrate how faith-based action can address systemic challenges and promote lasting change.
Local partners for this project
the Quiché Diocese
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