ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Guatemala is facing serious challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) on Zero Hunger, which includes the elimination of all forms of malnutrition by 2030. 

Almost half the population cannot afford the cost of the basic food basket. Climate shocks linked to drought and the emerging El Ni?o event are placing additional pressure on vulnerable households and rural livelihoods.

As a result, the prevalence of stunting (impaired development due to malnutrition) in children under 5 is one of the highest in the world ¨C and the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean.  

A multi-ethnic country with a rich cultural heritage, Guatemala is a country where poverty affects people disproportionately in terms of food insecurity, nutrition, health and education. 

Guatemala is among the ten countries in the world most vulnerable to disasters and climate emergencies. The 2026¨C2027 El Ni?o phenomenon is expected to bring drier-than-average conditions that could worsen food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in the Dry Corridor, where many subsistence farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture.

Recent years of prolonged drought and recurrent climate shocks have already weakened livelihoods and resilience.

The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½) has been in the country since 1974 and has a long tradition of working with government authorities, UN agencies and partners to promote food security and nutrition for the most vulnerable people, including rural women and children. 

In line with SDG 2 targets, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is supporting Guatemalan institutions in their efforts to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition, through the strengthening of social programmes. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ also works with rural communities to enhance their resilience to climate-related shocks and improve access to markets.