usaid office of food for peace guatemala bellmon estimation

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generated through daily labor in agriculture. There is migration for work in sugarcane,
coffee, melons, and watermelon harvests.
Coffee Production (#11) - This livelihood zone covers parts of Huehuetenango, San
Marcos, and Quetzaltenango. The population is dedicated to coffee production, some
basic grain production, and primarily, daily labor. The poorest households have to buy
100 percent of their basic grains.
Agro-Industry for Export and Basic Grains (#12) - This livelihood zone covers the
southern tips of San Marcos and Quetzaltenango. Production is focused on sugarcane,
palm, banana, and maize. The poorest households have to buy 100 percent of their
basic grains.
Cardamom and Coffee ( #14) - The eastern part of Quiché and Alta Verapaz are in this
livelihood zone. The population is dedicated to the production of basic grains, cattle,
coffee, and cardamom. Livelihoods are based on daily labor. This area is vulnerable to
changing international prices for coffee and cardamom.
Los Cuchumatanes Mountain Range (#18) - This livelihood zone includes varying
topography in Huehuetenango and the western corner of Quiché. Almost all (99 percent)
of the population is indigenous. Livelihoods are based in basic grain and vegetable
production for consumption, and manual labor for the area as well as for Mexico.
Mexican maize supports unmet demand.
Agriculture, Wage Labor and Trade (#20) - This livelihood zone is in San Marcos, and is
known for agriculture and commerce, with little migration. Cattle farming is important, as
well as commerce with Mexico, and livelihood zones 11 and 12.
As shown above, the nine livelihood zones which are expected to be covered by upcoming Title
II have varying topography, cultures and languages, agricultural production, market access, and
labor market trends. Program design will require adaptation and flexibility to best suit and
compliment this diversity. Household and community targeting within the selected departments
should be based on areas with inconsistent financial and geographic market access. Other
important targeting criteria include malnutrition and health/diet indicators; as noted above,
nutrition and food utilization challenges food security in the country. Geographically, PVOs will
have to coordinate with GoG food aid programs (Bolsa Solidaria) to avoid overlap and potential
self-monetization.
6.4.3. Seasonal Targeting
Seasonality of production. Guatemala has two main agricultural production cycles: The de
primera season which begins in April/May and is harvested in August/September, and the de
postrera season which begins in August/September and is harvested from November onwards
(FAO/WFP 2010).
However, the western highlands only have 180 days of production with one harvest per year,
making this area more vulnerable as compared to other parts of the country which have two, or
even three, annual harvests (Personal correspondence with MFEWS, August 2011).
Furthermore, most production in the western highlands is on small plots of land, and/or steep
hillsides, resulting in low yields.
Seasonality of marketing. Low production levels force families to rely on market purchase and
inter-household trade, in addition to own-production (Personal correspondence with MFEWS,
August 2011). Food and non-food items are widely available, and commerce thrives year-round
in markets across the western highlands. People buy and sell grains, fruits and vegetables,
clothing and shoes, household supplies, fertilizers and seeds, and non-essential items (snack
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