Annual/Quarterly Report: Nexos Locales Contract

The project's integrated approach during Year 7 (FY2021) focused on improving food security indicators in the region, leveraging financial support from local partners to distribute more than 30,000 vegetable seedlings for an estimated 700 family orchards across prioritized communities. Municipalities in Guatemala implemented tax and service management strategies for increased revenue generation, resulting in the approval of the 7B pre-printed receipt by municipal authorities in Cotzal. Technical assistance was also provided to Municipal Programming of Budget Execution and Finance Committees (COPEPs) to ensure adequate monitoring of public expenditures. Additionally, 23 civil society organizations (CSOs) and an estimated 100 leaders from the Community Development Councils (COCODE) participated in capacity-building workshops conducted by ASOCUCH in the department of Huehuetenango, expanding advocacy training and launching the Citizen Charter in San Marcos. Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades were performed in 12 municipalities, investing a total of Q1,897,600 (USD 249,684) and benefiting an estimated 46,179 users. Nexos Locales worked with the OMAS to address relevant subjects, including the continued monitoring of water distribution systems to meet the increased demand under the pandemic. The Municipal Women's Directorates (DMMs) received technical support to begin the preparation of their Annual Operations Plans, and the DMM in the municipality of Comitancillo received approval for a Q80,000 (USD 10,526) project initiative to enhance poultry-keeping production to benefit 100 women. The project also supported initiatives to boost agricultural production and opportunities for youth, mobilizing municipal investments for an estimated USD 174,000. Nexos Locales coordinated with COMUSANs and AGREQUIMA for the distribution of 20,000 vegetables seedlings for the implementation of family orchards in 15 municipalities as a means to combat food insecurity and increase household income in prioritized communities. A digital course on municipal management was finalized with 80% of participants successfully completing the six learning modules, and nine training workshops for indigenous authorities and leaders were conducted by AGAAI, touching on the importance of the Indigenous Advisory Councils (CAI) and the rights and legal framework that promote indigenous engagement.