Spring Technical Assistance Report: Formative Research: Key Influencers of Household Food Access in the Western Highlands of Guatemala

The region is also home to a large number of small-scale farmers, who face significant challenges in accessing markets and improving their livelihoods. A formative research study was conducted in the Western Highlands of Guatemala to identify key influencers of household food access. The study was conducted in four departments: Huehuetenango, Totonicapán, Quetzaltenango, and San Marcos. A total of 1,200 households were surveyed, with a focus on understanding the dynamics of intrahousehold decision-making and the role of men and women in food purchasing decisions. The study found that household food access is influenced by a range of factors, including purchasing power, perceived income, and access to markets. The study also found that women play a critical role in food purchasing decisions, particularly in households with limited income. However, women's participation in decision-making is often limited by cultural and social norms. The study identified several key recommendations for improving household food access in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. These include increasing access to markets and improving the availability of staple crops, as well as promoting the participation of women in decision-making and increasing their access to resources and information. The study was conducted by the SPRING project, a five-year USAID-funded Cooperative Agreement to strengthen global and country efforts to scale up high-impact nutrition practices and policies. The study was led by Judiann McNulty, a consultant with the SPRING project, and was conducted in collaboration with a range of local partners, including the Guatemalan firm Consultoría & C.RTC. The study's findings and recommendations have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners working to improve household food access in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. By understanding the key influencers of household food access and promoting the participation of women in decision-making, it may be possible to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and increase access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.