Nexos Locales Project: Todos Santos Cuchumatán Municipality Fact Sheet

The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with an elevation of 2,470m above sea level, and experiences distinct rainy and dry seasons. The climate is fairly temperate, with a mix of tropical and temperate influences. The municipality has a functioning municipal government, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nexos Locales (NL) and the municipality in December 2014, which was later renewed in 2016. The Todos Santos COMUDE (Municipal Development Council) is highly functioning, receiving an overall "A" score on the rapid assessment performed by NL in year one, and ranked 98 of 334 in the 2013 Municipal Management Ranking conducted by SEGEPLAN. The COMUDE has 20 associated COCODEs (Community Development Councils) based in surrounding rural communities, which have a strong presence and participation in the COMUDE. The economy of Todos Santos is primarily driven by agricultural activities, representing approximately 91% of economic activity. Small businesses, public administration jobs, and manufacturing also contribute to the local economy, with remittances primarily used in home construction. Key findings from the Local Economic Development diagnostic study indicate that Todos Santos has potential to improve income through agricultural exports, tourism, and the commercialization of local crafts and handiwork. The current mayor, Andrés Mendoza Calmo of the UNE party, took office for the first time in January 2016. Mr. Mendoza is of Mayan descent and worked previously in agriculture. The municipality does not have a municipal water office, and chlorination was not occurring in sufficient levels, resulting in the presence of harmful bacteria in water samples. Although +80% of citizens have daily access to running water, rationing and irregular supply are sources of social conflict around water. The COMUDE has received climate-specific trainings in the past but does not have a strategic adaptation plan and has not evaluated their specific climate change risks. Other WHIP partners working in Todos Santos include FUNDAECO, ANACAFE, FUNCAFE, HEPP, Nutri-Salud, PASMO, PCI/PAISANO, TNC, and Mas Frijol. The municipality has been placed in the "Low" category in an internal assessment of security risk levels, reporting only natural disasters as a specific risk. The population of Todos Santos is approximately 36,796 inhabitants, with a density of 123 inhabitants/km2. The municipality has a Human Development Index of 0.342, with chronic malnutrition at 67%, poverty at 89%, and extreme poverty at 44%.