A study of nontraditional exports and sustainable development in Guatemala

This thesis examines the effects of two nontraditional export (NTX) sectors, the agricultural sector and the manufacturing sector, on sustainable development in Guatemala. Nontraditional agricultural exports and manufactured maquila exports have been promoted as a way to diversify the economy and include small farmers, landless workers, and the urban poor among the beneficiaries of export production. Relying on secondary sources and interviews with those involved in NTX policy, the degree to which these goals have been achieved is examined, with particular emphasis on the participation of small farmers, the quantity and quality of employment created, and environmental and health consequences of participation in NTX production. NTXs are providing some economic benefits to the country, as well as employment, particularly for women, but with some negative consequences in terms of health and sustainability. Moreover, NTXs alone will not solve the problems of inequality and poverty within the country; greater structural reform is needed.