Mexico and Belize Launch New Phase of Sembrando Vida Program

• Registration of farmers begins in the Corozal District
• The project strengthens food sovereignty and sustainable rural development

During a tour of rural communities in Belize, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) launched the second phase of the Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life) project, a bilateral cooperation initiative supporting family wellbeing, rural livelihoods and sustainable rural development.

The new phase got underway in the community of San Narciso, Corozal District, with the participation of Mexican and Belizean authorities and farmers who will take part in the registration process.

Mexico was represented by AMEXCID Executive Director Alejandra Del Moral Vela and Mexico's Ambassador to Belize, Ana Luisa Vallejo Barba. Belize was represented by Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Ramiro Ramírez and Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson.

"Sembrando Vida is a project that transforms lives and realities. It is community-based cooperation translated into tangible results, sowing peace and life and strengthening the social fabric," said AMEXCID Executive Director Del Moral Vela.

The second phase will benefit 2,000 returnees, beginning with 1,300 residents in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo districts, the main districts bordering Mexico's southern frontier, before expanding to the Belize, Stann Creek, and Toledo districts.

The second phase aims to strengthen food sovereignty in rural communities by developing productive systems that promote subsistence farming and the marketing of surplus produce, with specialized technical support.

Following the conclusion of the first phase in December 2024, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the project, with priority given to women, youth, and vulnerable populations in rural areas.

The program promotes crop diversification, increased agricultural productivity, and improved household incomes, encouraging community ties and sustainable local development.

Key components include direct financial support, distribution of agricultural inputs, tools, plants, and seeds, as well as technical training to strengthen the productive capacity of beneficiaries.

The program also supports the establishment of biofactories and the production of biological inputs, promoting sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to environmental conservation and the responsible use of natural resources.

In the first phase, more than 70 percent of beneficiaries gained an additional source of income through the financial support provided. Fifty percent have a guaranteed source of food at home; more than 30 percent involved family members in planting and/or crop marketing activities; and more than 20 percent have improved their housing.

This initiative is part of regional agreements aimed at promoting development in Central America, and strengthening cooperation among countries to address shared challenges such as food security and climate change.

During the tour, Director Del Moral met with Ambassador Vallejo Barba to review Mexico's flagship social programs in Belize.

"When cooperation puts people first, the results show in community wellbeing and development," she said.

She also met with Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize, to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration in strategic sectors including agriculture, technical education, and transparency.

Accompanied by Agriculture Minister Ferguson, the AMEXCID Executive Director toured the ministry's orchards to review progress on food security and initiatives to advance sustainable agricultural development within the framework of bilateral cooperation.

Mexico and Belize are deepening a partnership built on solidarity, mutual respect, and the creation of opportunities that improve quality of life in rural communities.