The path to change: how focusing on governance strengthened policies and institutions for food and nutrition security in Guatemala

Abstract

Over the past few years, Guatemala has adopted more inclusive food security policies, focusing on long-term solutions and placing family farmers at the centre. With support from the EU-FAO FIRST partnership, Guatemala has updated its policies to promote more sustainable agrifood systems and increased civil society participation, moving away from short-term aid to addressing structural poverty. This shift marks a long-term commitment to agrifood systems transformation, backed by increased multisectoral collaboration. This case study illustrates the vital role governance has played in shaping effective food and nutrition security strategies in Guatemala. It emphasizes the need for ongoing multistakeholder engagement to address the country’s profound challenges and ensure no one suffers from hunger or malnutrition.