FOOD PRODUCTIVITY AND NUTRITIONAL IMPROVEMENT

Project is now fully staffed, and government of Guatemala is demonstrating an improved capability to develop and introduce new and improved seed varieties. Progress has been slower than anticipated, however, due to delays in staffing technical assistance positions and instability in ICTA staff. Need for extended funding to certain project components has been recognized, as has the need for ICTA to diversify its research programs relating to the small farmer. Two areas of concern have been identified: 1) the lack of specific linkages between ICTA and other public agricultural institutions; and 2) the non-contractual relationship between ICTA and INCAP for services required to produce project outputs.