In other cases, landless peasants spontaneously took over the abandoned farms. In both situations, the new residents have prevented returnees from reclaiming their land and homes. The Peace Program includes a project to analyze the scope of uncertain land claims and to propose technical and legal measures to resolve land disputes. Without these documents, Guatemalans are also unable to vote, attend public schools, or conduct business with government agencies. Many fear traveling without a cedula because they remember roadblocks and searches during the war.
Officials anticipate completing the documentation project within four years.
The National Land Fund should be a first step toward alleviating unequal resource distribution that underlies much of the poverty in Guatemala. If it is fairly implemented, it could empower thousands of families to provide their own basic needs and to produce surplus goods for nearby markets. However, if the government does not execute the fund in a fair manner, it is likely to harm the internally displaced more than it helps them. For example, former landowners who must purchase new land will argue that the government should simply return their previous landholdings to them instead of forcing them to spend scarce resources to buy new acreage. The land fund's credit programs may not be sufficient compensation to deflect this criticism.