Training in Guatemala Helps Belizean Farmers Improve Cattle Farming

Belizean cattle farmers and conservation groups recently travelled to Guatemala to study ways of raising cattle that protect forests and improve soil.

The trip, organised by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Belize, brought together farmers, agricultural associations, and government representatives from across the region for a hands-on training exchange in Petén, Guatemala. From Belize, participants included the Belize Maya Forest Trust, the Belize Livestock Producers Association, the Forest Department, and local cattle farmers.

The visit focused on a farming approach called silvopasture, which simply means growing trees alongside grazing areas rather than clearing them. The idea is that trees improve soil quality, protect water sources, and keep the land productive for longer, all while reducing the pressure on surrounding forests. Farmers in Petén who are already using these methods opened their ranches to the group and showed what the system looks like in practice.

In Belize, livestock farming remains a key part of rural livelihoods and the national agricultural economy. However, the sector is increasingly facing challenges such as land degradation and climate-related pressures.

Organisers say the approach shows how “Belize is working with regional partners to support more sustainable livestock production” in the Selva Maya.