Guatemalan Deputy calls for transparency in agricultural food aid

Guatemalan Deputy Alexándra Ajcip has called for increased transparency regarding the distribution of food rations to families affected by agroclimatic and environmental damage. During a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Social Development (Mides), the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (Sesan), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA), concerns were raised regarding the current beneficiary selection process, which is currently managed by local mayors.

Ajcip proposed that MAGA take a direct role in identifying affected farmers by utilizing records of damaged crops and lost hectares to ensure a more targeted and verifiable distribution. The Sesan reported that food rations consist of 100 pounds of corn, 30 pounds of beans, and 10 pounds of rice.

As of September 3, MAGA reported that 570,267 families and 252,801 hectares have been affected across the country. The deputy has also requested that the Comptroller General of Accounts monitor the delivery process to ensure accountability.