Alimentos Nutri-Naturales Sociedad Anónima (ANSA) is a group of independent businesses, entirely owned and operated by women, which harvest, process, and sell the abundant and rarely utilized Maya nut (Brosimum alicastrum). The nut was once a staple food for the ancient Mayans but is threatened with extinction due to the spread of logging and conversion of land to agriculture. In the buffer zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala, this initiative has successfully employed community members to process these locally-available nuts to feed their families and generate income.

The group has also developed a project to combat malnutrition and dependence on imported foodstuffs by marketing Maya nut-based school lunches in local districts. By empowering local women throughout the region with the opportunities associated with the Maya nut business, the initiative is improving family nutrition, health, and income.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2006

Founded: 2005

Location: Petén Department

Beneficiaries: 85 families

Biodiversity: Maya nut trees (Brosimum alicastrum)

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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