In Guatemala, poverty disproportionately affects the indigenous population, where many cannot afford the basic food basket. The livelihood of regional subsistence farmers has been greatly impacted by recent extended dry seasons, driven primarily by global climate change, exploitation of natural resources, degraded and depleted land, small plot sizes, as well as lack of access to finances, agricultural supplies, and technical assistance.

Surrounding Lake Atitlán, land degradation and deforestation, caused by excessive consumption of firewood, is having a devastating impact on the local environment. In addition to this, water quality is greatly impaired because of improper agricultural practices that contaminate the surrounding ecosystem. Municipal water is rationed across villages two to three times per week. This water is unfiltered and unprocessed. It is potentially contaminated by agricultural runoff and can harbor waterborne disease-producing pathogens.