Mono-cropping of cardamom, low quality cocoa, and maize in Guatemala are common, but are often cultivated in a way that leads to land degradation, loss of soil health and negative impacts on biodiversity. Such monocultures are also associated with increased social inequality and poverty. In the case of the Lachuá Ecoregion, local government and
community members sought to address these linked social and environmental challenges through cocoa agroforestry. The practice was identified through a participatory assessment of livelihood options and chosen because of its cultural value for Q’eqchi’ Mayans.