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Guatemala

FEWS Guatemala Food Security Outlook Oct 2009 - Mar 2010

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Food insecurity increased due to a combination of climatic, economic, and sanitary factors, which led to an increase in the number of acute malnutrition cases in children under five, especially in the dry corridor.

The rainy season, from August to November, was below normal.- This has already affected postrera crops and the population's health. The most vulnerable areas are the dry corridor, which includes the eastern and central departments, and some municipalities in Quiché and Huehuetenango.

The season of high demand for unskilled labor in the harvest of- export crops such as coffee, sugarcane, melon, and watermelon is between September and March. Although normal labor demand is foreseen, there is an excess supply of people seeking work; consequently, not everyone will be hired.

It is important to determine the extent of agricultural damages- and the state of food security among affected populations, as well as the existence of household reserves during the first months of next year, in order to provide appropriate assistance. This should include the timely delivery of agricultural supplies at the beginning of 2010, in order to improve next year's yields.