Guatemala: Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan - Summary 2024

5.3M
PEOPLE IN NEED
2.5M
PEOPLE TARGETED
$125M
REQUIREMENTS (US$)

Needs

In Guatemala, food insecurity, acute malnutrition in children under age 5 and increased flows of migrants and refugees are major humanitarian concerns. About 5.3 million people need humanitarian assistance, which includes food, emergency medical services, acute malnutrition response, access to safe water and sanitation, shelter, and protection assistance. This assistance also involves providing information and referral mechanisms for cases of violence, including gender-based violence. In 2023, the number of people in need of assistance rose by 300,000 compared to 2022.

From March to August 2023, food security worsened due to drought, which led to a decrease in small-scale farmers' basic grain reserves and an increase in seasonal prices. El Niño conditions, which are likely to continue into 2024, are making these needs worse. This could greatly reduce the harvest of staple grains in the first agricultural cycle, a critical issue in the western highlands, where food insecurity is most severe.
A poor harvest would also mean fewer jobs and lower wages for day laborers who rely on this income.

The rising number of children suffering from malnutrition in Guatemala is alarming. The country has the highest rate of child malnutrition in Latin America and is sixth worldwide. Nearly half of all children (46.5 per cent) face chronic malnutrition. As of week 27 in 2023, there were 14,626 cases of acute malnutrition, a 28 percent increase from the same period in 2022. Of the severe malnutrition cases in 2023, 22 percent (3,850 children) are severe acute malnutrition cases.

Due to its location near Mexico and the United States, Guatemala is a hub for people on the move, including refugees and asylum seekers.
In 2024, Guatemala will continue to grapple with economic and social inequality, environmental shocks, and political unrest. The number of people needing protection is expected to reach 3 million, driven by increased displacement within and across borders and the humanitarian impacts of violence and organized crime.