Exploring youth development through an environmental education program for rural indigenous women

Youth development (YD) is receiving increased attention in environmental education (EE), yet faces critiques including lack of attention to cultural competency and structural barriers. We explore YD outcomes of the EE program “Women, Agroecology, and Leadership for Conservation,” which engages young Q’eqchi’ Maya women in Guatemala in learning about sustainable agroecology practices, women’s rights to make reproductive and educational choices, and environmental stewardship. Results show participants gain assets, including knowledge related to agriculture and stewardship, agency to pursue their schooling, and the ability to contribute to their communities. These results are examined through the lens of programs occurring in a rural, indigenous context. We explore challenges and opportunities related to the setting, including gender roles, cultural traditions, and land pressure.