Mister Severo Cruz: A Story of Productive Return and Rural Development in Sipacapa

In the village of Pueblo Viejo, located in the municipality of Sipacapa, San Marcos, lives Mr. Severo Cruz Ambrosio, a 62-year-old agricultural producer whose story reflects the transformative potential of technical assistance and access to productive opportunities in rural areas.

He lives with his wife and eight children. Due to the lack of formal employment and the low income generated by traditional agriculture in his community, he felt compelled to migrate to the United States. During the two years he spent there, he worked in the construction sector with the goal of improving his family’s living conditions. However, his desire to be close to his loved ones and contribute to the development of his community motivated him to voluntarily return to Guatemala.

Upon his return, he resumed agricultural activities as a sustainable livelihood alternative, working on plots of maize, avocado, and peach. Despite facing various challenges—such as the distance to markets, high transportation costs, changing climatic conditions, and limited technical assistance—he remained committed to improving his production.

At that stage, his avocado (Hass variety) yield was 9 quintals, generating a gross income of Q1,575.00, which after covering production costs, left him with a profit of Q675.00.

Mr. Severo later learned about the Innovative Solutions for Agricultural Value Chains Project (PRO-INNOVA), an initiative supported by the Government of the United States that seeks to strengthen the productive capacities of smallholder farmers in Guatemala’s Western Highlands.

Through the technical assistance and support provided by the PRO-INNOVA team, Mr. Severo improved his agricultural practices by implementing technologies such as drip irrigation, pruning management, pest and disease control, and crop diversification. These improvements allowed him to increase both the quality and quantity of his production and gain access to better market opportunities. As a result, his income improved significantly—producing 15 quintals of Hass avocado, generating a gross income of Q4,500.00 and a profit of Q2,250.00.

Today, his farm stands as an example of how individual commitment, combined with strategic cooperation initiatives, can generate positive and sustainable impacts in rural communities. With the support of the Government of the United States, more farmers like Mr. Severo are building a future with real opportunities to remain in their communities, stay close to their families, and improve their quality of life—without the need to migrate.

Meet Don Severo Cruz: a story of resilience and rural transformation supported by the U.S. Government through the PRO-INNOVA Project.