Breaking Malnutrition's Cycle in Guatemala

By Robyn Fieser

In the remote department of Totonicapán in Guatemala's western highlands—where the malnutrition rate for children is higher than in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa and more than two-thirds of the population is poor—growing enough food to feed a family is a yearly struggle. Decades of political policies have excluded the mostly Mayan indigenous people of Totonicapán from accessing even the most basic services, including health care and education. One of every 16 children will die before reaching the age of 5.

The near-subsistence farmers of Totonicapán continue a generational disadvantage, toiling away on shrinking plots etched into steep hillsides, barely able to grow enough corn and beans to last the year. The worldwide spike in food prices in the last year has increased the amount families spend on basic food staples by about 12 quetzals ($1.54) per day. That's half a day's pay as a hired farm worker, and the pressure is pushing families further into desperation.

To break the vicious cycle of malnutrition, CRS, with funding from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, is working with pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under the age of 5 to improve hygiene, to enhance healthy diets and to increase the use of medical services.

Click through this photo tour to see how CRS is helping a new generation of children grow into stronger, more productive adults.

Photos by Robyn Fieser/CRS

Robyn Fieser is CRS' regional information officer for Latin America and the Caribbean based in Guatemala.