Household food security, nutrition and crop diversification among smallholder farmers in the highlands of Guatemala

Abstract

The study examined economic, food security and nutrition outcomes associated with crop diversification among small farm households in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The analysis pulled together data from a farm production and household expenditure survey, and a food intake and anthropometry survey, conducted in the same group of highland farmers but with an interval of eight months. The sample of farmers and their households were classified ex post according to different crop mixes. Compared to traditional maize farmers, small farmers and their households who diversified to potatoes were more likely to suffer adverse income, food security and nutritional status effects; wheat and vegetable growers and potato farmers with larger farms were likely to encounter increased household incomes. However, no significant improvements in household and individual food security were associated with income increases among diversified farmers and members of their households.