5.11 Challenges of Contemporary Agriculture

In Guatemala, recent agricultural innovation focuses on agroecological farming practices. This approach promotes sustainability, biodiversity, and resilience by emphasizing methods like crop diversification, agroforestry, and natural pest control. It benefits smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and the environment by reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, cutting costs, and enhancing soil health and water resources.

 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03066150.2017.1410142?casa_token=l-eVpd5Zn74AAAAA:jj1MQQ5bNawcXijkdVevop0ekPnzWnXZYdq3A0wLGM8pQ21TMJhFqpbwlZB3acaz7Fz4mabKSJ3e 

In Guatemala, agricultural practices contribute to environmental challenges:

Deforestation: Agricultural expansion, notably for cash crops like palm oil and cattle ranching, leads to widespread deforestation, impacting Guatemala's biodiversity and climate.

Soil Erosion: Unsustainable practices such as slash-and-burn agriculture result in soil erosion, diminishing arable land and crop productivity in Guatemala's agricultural regions.

Water Pollution: Runoff from pesticides and fertilizers contaminates water sources in Guatemala, posing risks to human health and the country's aquatic ecosystems.

https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/guatemala#:~:text=As%20a%20result%20of%20widespread,increased%20food%20insecurity%20and%20vulnerability. 

Food production and consumption in Guatemala:

In Guatemala, there's a growing preference for organic and locally sourced foods. This shift reflects concerns over food safety and sustainability, with consumers seeking healthier options. Additionally, there's a renewed interest in traditional Mayan foods, supporting local farmers and culinary heritage.

https://fas.usda.gov/data/guatemala-organic-products-growth-potential-guatemala 

Challenges of feeding the population in Guatemala:

A significant challenge in Guatemala is food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable groups like indigenous communities and rural populations. Poverty, inequality, climate change, and limited access to nutritious foods contribute to this issue. Around 50% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Addressing food insecurity requires improving access to nutritious foods and supporting sustainable agriculture.

https://www.wfp.org/countries/guatemala