Restoration of the Food System and Strengthening the Resilience of Families Affected by the Prolonged 2014 Canícula in Guatemala - GCP/GUA/024/SWE
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Central America is one of the regions of the world that is most vulnerable to climate hazards and natural disaster risks, with the effects of climate change becoming increasingly recurrent, causing damage and losses mainly in terms of food security among poor families. In 2014, Guatemala experienced a prolonged heatwave (canícula), in which rainfall started to diminish from mid-June, resulting in a rainless period that lasted for 24 to 30 days throughout the country. The area known as the Dry Corridor was the worst affected, posting a record 45 days without rain in some areas. Data released by the Regional Disaster Management Team of the United Nations System shows that the heaviest losses from the prolonged heatwave were suffered by the most vulnerable populations, who have no reserves of maize or beans to fall back on. In total, an estimated 2.5 million people were affected by the worst drought to afflict Guatemala in many years. As a result, food availability and access have been drastically reduced, decreasing the supply of basic grains, increasing demand and driving up maize and bean prices. The project aims to provide an organized response based on the Prolonged Heatwave/Drought Response Plan 2014, by implementing medium- and short-term actions with a development focus. These actions include restoring livelihoods and productive assets, and preventing and reducing mortality and morbidity from water-borne diseases. Resilient agricultural assets will also be created through changes to harvesting practices, storage and safe water management, and final consolidation of a culture of optimizing the management of water resources and community empowerment.