Guatemala

The UN agency tasked with reducing rural poverty is lending USD 17 million to Guatemala to help authorities boost development in the Central American country?s central and eastern regions. About 30,000 smallholders, micro-entrepreneurs, artisans and landless peasants will receive upgraded infrastructure and other assistance under the project, which has a particular focus on young people, women and people of mixed Mayan and Ladino origin. Some of the participants will be able to take part in courses in business management and marketing, and access will be increased to such resources as land, water, technology, and farm credit. (UN News Service)