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Our Economic Development programs aim to develop mind sets and institutions that shift economic dynamics from personal exploitation to cooperation, while introducing new modes of production and accessing new markets. All programs and projects support the fundamental goal of livable wages for community members.
Current and Ongoing
Solicited by the community of El Pital, Un Mundo recently facilitated the women of El Pital to begin the formation of a women's group. The goals of this initiative are to empower and unite the women of the community, educating them on various topics, provide them with a forum for discussion, give them a voice within their community and to develop innovative economic alternatives for supporting their families. In 2009, the group began meeting on a monthly basis to learn and explore various economic methods that could be viable for their group. By December 2009, the members hope to have determined one or two specific projects they would like to execute amongst themselves.
Mi Casa Su Casa Home-Stay Program
Mi Casa Su Casa is a tourism and intercultural exchange initiative that has been implemented in the community of El Pital, providing room and board within the homes of local community members to volunteers and tourists visiting the Cangrejal River Valley.
The primary goals for the Mi Casa Su Casa Program are to create an intercultural experience, providing volunteers with direct access to the community and the family direct access to the volunteers and tourists. This program is considered an economic development project, encouraging more sustainable tourism practices which support the local communities.
Proposed
Monthly Market Pilot
Un Mundo is proposing a monthly or tri-annual farmer and artisan market in El Pital. The goal of this market would be to increase the opportunity for local residents to exchange goods and produce. This market could also attract residents from near-by cities, such as La Ceiba, and tourists visiting the area. To increase interest in this market, it would be held on the same day as another community event, such as a concert, soccer game, or town carnival.
Agro-Coop
Under development. Derived from a formerly proposed program called Killing the Coyote, a proposal to set up cooperatives of small agricultural producers and then eliminate the exploitation of middle-men (coyotes) by gaining direct access to national markets.