FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - GUATEMALA (1 February)
Harvesting of the 2001/02 second season cereal and bean crops has been completed. Good outturns have been collected and some of the losses incurred by drought to the first season crops have been thus partially offset; however, the food supply situation continues to be tight in several of the most drought affected areas, particularly in El Quiche and Jalapa where food assistance from the international community continues to be provided. An increasing number of malnourished children has been reported in the area. The conditions are also difficult for the large number of unemployed and low paid workers from coffee plantations as a result of the crisis affecting the industry caused by the fall in international coffee prices.