How Sustainable Farming Practices in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor Are Combating Malnutrition
In Guatemala, drought and crop failure pose a serious threat, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition, especially in rural areas. International aid programs, such as the U.N.’s World Food Program, are stepping in to address this issue.
The World Food Program is working to train individuals in Guatemala’s rural countryside on sustainable farming practices to help tackle malnutrition. Guatemala is part of the Central American Dry Corridor, a region experiencing longer and more severe droughts, as well as damaging weather events like hurricanes.
Small and medium-sized farmers, as well as Indigenous people, living in the Dry Corridor are particularly vulnerable, struggling to provide adequate food for their families. Guatemala has one of the highest rates of stunting in Latin America, with 44 percent of children falling outside the normal height-for-age range in 2022, according to UNICEF data.
One success story comes from Lilian Ramos, a fish producer in San Agustin Acasaguastlan, who has seen improvements in her community’s nutrition through fish farming. The World Food Program’s training focuses on innovation and anticipatory actions to minimize crop damage and ensure food sources are protected from extreme weather challenges.
“We do see some improvements … it is an excellent model that, even in terms of permeation, is an example for other countries that are also facing challenges from climate change,” said Tania Goossens of the World Food Program in Guatemala.
Analysis:
This article highlights the efforts being made in Guatemala to combat malnutrition through sustainable farming practices. By providing training and support to communities in the Dry Corridor, organizations like the World Food Program are helping families improve their food security and resilience to climate challenges. This not only benefits individuals and communities by ensuring they have access to nutritious food, but it also sets an example for other countries facing similar issues. Investing in sustainable agriculture and innovative solutions can have a positive impact on both the environment and people’s well-being.