Reducing Chronic Malnutrition in Guatemala: Mapping Food and Nutritional Security projects in the Western Highlands

As part of this initiative, the USAID Policy Regulatory Support for Economic Growth (PRS) Project has supported the implementation of the plan in prioritized territories. The PRS project has collaborated with the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN) to map Zero Hunger projects in six departments: Quiché, Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Totonicapán, Sololá, and Quetzaltenango. The mapping exercise has resulted in a database documenting the Zero Hunger projects in these departments. This database will be used by SESAN to streamline efforts and make them more efficient and effective. The information collected will enable SESAN to determine which departments and municipalities are being served, which government agencies are serving them, and which objectives of the zero hunger plan are being addressed. Additionally, the database will highlight gaps in programmatic coverage or complementary programmatic interventions contained in the Plan. The PRS project has identified ten bilateral and nine multilateral donors supporting 55 projects in the Western Highlands. Of these, 32 projects have exclusive coverage in this geographic area. USAID supports 37% of these projects, with other international donors supporting an additional 57%. The total value of the 55 projects is $724 million, with the total value of the 32 projects having exclusive coverage in the Western Highlands being $353.7 million. Executing government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and cooperation agencies implementing the projects have also been identified. The mapping exercise has facilitated the identification of donor support for Zero Hunger projects in the Western Highlands. This information will enable stakeholders to better coordinate efforts and allocate resources effectively. The PRS project's support for the National Zero Hunger Plan is a critical component of the initiative to combat chronic malnutrition in Guatemala. The Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN) will utilize the database to inform decision-making and optimize resource allocation. The database will also serve as a tool for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of the Zero Hunger projects. By leveraging the information collected, SESAN can ensure that efforts are focused on the most critical areas and that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve the desired outcomes.