There is a strong presence of families that do not have land for their own. Land for cultivation is either rented or held jointly by the community itself. The elevated concentration of poverty is so significant that in key moments, such as total losses of harvests, mass hunger and starvation occurs. The harsh geography of the area makes transportation and communication difficult, if not impossible. There is evidence of ecological destruction.
Agricultural production is often scarce.
The economy is based on subsistence cultivation, primarily corn, beans, bananas, plantains, yuca, sugar cane, and coffee. Diet is sometimes supplemented by small animals such as birds, chickens and turkeys. The programs of the CCD seek to give these tiny rural communities the incentive to keep their hopes alive by helping them develop their own resources of food, housing, education, health, and community organization. This village can only be reached by a two-hour hike over steep mountain terrain.