A group of women from the rural community of Cayuga in Morales, Izabal, is participating in a project to grow and process roselle (rosa de Jamaica) as part of an initiative led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA). The aim is to support economic empowerment and food security in rural areas.
The women are members of the Rural Learning Centers for Development (CADER) and were selected after submitting a project proposal developed with the help of an extension coordinator and a professional from Hogar Rural de Izabal during a training program on women's economic empowerment.
They have received essential supplies and equipment, including an industrial dehydrator, seeds, and an industrial stove. These tools are intended to improve the drying process for roselle plants, ensuring product quality and quantity for market sales.
According to MAGA, "Constant training in plant care—from planting and harvesting to dehydration and processing—enables the Hogar Rural group to prepare for the final stage and generate income for their families."
The women have already planted roselle crops and have been trained in making value-added products such as roselle jelly, cookies with jelly, and chamoy made from roselle.
"This initiative is part of productive promotion actions that seek to improve quality of life in rural communities by promoting technical and business skills development," said MAGA.
The project reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen technical capacities among rural women so they can contribute economically to their households while developing new agricultural products.
Alerts Sign-up