Women's Groups and Water Tanks

We left from the city of San Cristobal early at 5:30am to travel to a community where different rural development projects are underway. We drove winding roads through the mountains of Chiapas, admiring the tall cornfields ready to harvest.

Starting to build the water tank, first structuring the wire mesh which will later be covered with cement

The local women in this community have a project growing edible mushrooms. They fill bags with dried bean pods or stover from the corn harvest and add mycelium which the agricultural technicians bring to the community. They also have a plant nursery where they grow trees and coffee plants. The development organization is supporting them in building a water tank so they can have a reliable water source for their projects.

So today we set up the mesh wire that will later be filled in with cement (they call this method ferrocemento). We measured the wire, marked the circumference with ashes, and then formed the cylindrical structure. Everyone joined in and enjoyed the collective work, even the children. We finished the initial structure and will continue on next time.

The cultivation of mushroom varieties and the plant nursery project help the community have access to more healthy and sustainable food while using mostly local resources. In all of the projects, the community members also have the autonomy to choose and control what they plant and consume, which is an important part of food sovereignty.

A beautiful stone church