Food Crisis
OCTOBER 1, 2009
ALERT: 27/2009 - October 1, 2009
1. Brief description of the emergency
The effects of climate change and climate variability in Guatemala,- associated with El Niño last June - have caused low rainfall in some areas causing water shortages for drinking and irrigation. In other areas, however, there is increased precipitation, which can also adversely affect food production.
In this context, rising fuel prices and consequently rising prices of production inputs and food, caused a severe food crisis for mainly the poorest communities in Guatemala. These communities suffer from reduced production capacity and lost purchasing power to buy nutritious food.
2. Impact
The main areas affected are located in the so-called dry corridor , comprising the departments of El Progreso, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, Zacapa, Chiquimula, Alta Verapaz. The Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN) estimates that in these areas 38 communities are at very high risk and 651 communities are at high risk due to the food crisis. It is estimated that more than 54,500 families (translating into more than 327,000 people) face an immediate risk of food and nutrition insecurity. This risk may also affect the western departments of the country where conditions are similar or even worse than the eastern region. Among the departments, those classified as highly vulnerable to food insecurity are: Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Quiche, Solola and Totonicapán.
More specifically, in the district of Baja Verapaz 14,000 families are affected by the food crisis. In the district of Jalapa, 18 children are reported to have died from lack of food, 110 children have acute malnutrition and 1,192 children have been admitted to the hospital. In August there have been 22 cases of severe malnutrition at the national hospital and 24 cases in private hospitals. On a recent field visit to the district of Chiquimula, ACT members identified that the first crops of maize and beans carry very low yields. Due to heavy rains, parts of the crops planted were lost, and any crops planted late yielded low harvests. According to respondents, yields vary between 30 and 50% of what is commonly produced. These estimates are consistent with data provided by the Bethania Clinic, a local counterpart of the ACT members, and Community Development Committees. According to the same source, there are 4,500 families at high risk to food insecurity in the municipalities Camotan, Jocotan and Olopa.
3. National and international response
On 07 September, the Executive Council of Ministers declared a state of public “calamity” in the entire territory of Guatemala. SESAN is in the process of implementing a support program with funds from the international cooperation, which is made up of three components: food assistance, production and productive infrastructure and storage. Its value is in the range of $ 400 million quetzales (USD50 million).
On 22 September, the World Food Program began the distribution of 20 tons of biscuits in 164 communities affected by the famine. However, the government indicated that while the support provided is significant, this will not be sufficient given the magnitude of need and duration of food insecurity.
4. ACT International response
ACT FORUM members have started gathering information on the needs and applying for additional funds from key partners of member agencies. The major aim is to identify specific needs of vulnerable groups and to define the response ACT Forum Guatemala may extend to complement initiatives already underway.
The partners work in the area of Jocotan and Camotan department of Chiquimula, specifically for the care of malnourished children. The ACT Forum Guatemala coordinates its activities with the Humanitarian Response Network (UN organizations and international NGO's humanitarian mandate involved in Guatemala).
5. Planned activities
The ACT Forum members continue gathering more detailed information and will identify resources among ACT members. Members plan to request for funds through an ACT Appeal and extend support through bi-lateral funding.
