PROYECTO APOYO A POLÍTICAS Y REGULACIONES PARA EL CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO

The project's main objective was to improve the business environment and increase economic opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). During the quarter of October to December 2014, the project made significant progress in achieving its objectives. One of the key achievements was the institutionalization of the methodology for the development of community action plans to improve food and nutritional security in the agricultural communities assisted by FONTIERRAS. The final version of the methodology was delivered to the FONTIERRAS manager on October 15, 2014, and was subsequently institutionalized through Management Resolution 139-2014 on November 4, 2014. The project also developed a multimedia E-learning course on institutional co-responsibility in the implementation of the Zero Hunger Pact Plan (Plan del Pacto Hambre Cero). The course was delivered to the SESAN secretary on November 4, 2014, and aimed to provide implementers with a clear understanding of their responsibilities in implementing the plan. In addition, the project conducted an incidence pilot experience under the INCOPAS' SAN Strategy Framework. The organization, ADIC Casa Feliz, concluded the community organization strengthening process in 13 communities of Quetzaltenango and San Marcos, and quality monitoring of public services such as health, education, nutrition, agriculture, water, and sanitation. This process allowed the validation of the incidence methodology. The project also developed a methodological guide for the implementation of actions at the community level for the reduction of children's chronic malnutrition and the development of SAN's sustainability. The guide, titled "Community Guide for the Prevention of Children Chronic Malnutrition and Strengthening of SAN 'THE FUTURE IS TODAY,'" was presented by FUNDESA and the Alliance for Nutrition on November 11, 2014. Furthermore, the project carried out the SAN/DR's Cooperation Group Secretariat and provided logistics for a meeting on November 18, 2014. The project also participated in meetings with the USAID Central Coordination Committee of Partners in the Western Highlands and developed a document that systematized the advances, findings, challenges, and proposals to improve the Programa Integrado del Altiplano Occidental (WHIP) coordination. In the area of rural development, the project made progress in the Component 2: Rural Development. Through AGEXPORT's grant, the document "Market Characterization of Financial Products and Services for Three Productive Chains in the FTF area" was concluded and submitted to MAGA and the Projects of Rural Value Chaining. The document "Proposal of Legal Entity for Small Farming Producers Organizations of Guatemala" was also submitted to MINECO via MIPYME's Support Vice-Minister. The project also concluded the document "Systematization of Post-Harvest Practices and Market Value Recovery in the Vegetables Productive Chain of the FTF Initiative's Coverage Area" through the grant with Fundación SARES. This study was submitted to MAGA. The project's grants funds were also finalized in November 2014, with deliverables developed through the grants fulfilling the expectations and contributing to the achievement of the project's outcomes. Overall, the project made significant progress in achieving its objectives during the quarter of October to December 2014, with key achievements in the areas of food security, rural development, and institutionalization of methodologies and guides.