Guatemala: Outline and next steps of the Thematic Group in Guatemala

The Thematic Group in Guatemala known as the Grupo Interinstitucional de Información de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (GIISAN - Interinstitutional Group on Food Security and Nutritional Information) consolidates its one year existence as a forum to exchange experiences related to information and communication regarding national food security, which has already held 11 monthly meetings plus an extraordinary meeting.

GIISAN's mission, as defined in its Strategic Plan, outlines the Group as "a technical advisory group comprised of governmental, non governmental, international and national institutions and civil society which works through a consultation and analysis forum of aspects related to information, training and communication of food security and nutrition within the institutional framework of the National System of Food Security and Nutrition of Guatemala." The group's composition is plural and open: representatives of NGOs, development and UN agencies as well as governmental organizations actively participate in the meetings held. The recently drafted internal regulations of the group, calls for the secretariat to rotate among the members of the group on a bimonthly basis. The last meetings have been coordinated by NGOs, development agencies and by the Planning Secretariat of the Guatemalan Government (SEGEPLAN - Spanish acronym).

The GIISAN has developed two main outputs: national and departmental indicators for the surveillance of Food Security and Nutrition in Guatemala and the draft proposal of the National Food Security and Nutritional System (SAN - Spanish acronym) which was used during the design of the draft law and policies regarding SAN that is now being discussed in Congress. This draft law is currently receiving input from GIISAN members and there is a strong possibility the Group could be included as an adviser within the National Information System on Food and Nutritional Security (SINASAN Spanish acronym).

The group is also working on the preparation of a quarterly newsletter which outlines the situation of food security in Guatemala (both electronically and hardcopy). The public includes print and television media, municipalities, decision makers, universities and research centers among others.

The activities planned for the rest of 2004 include:

• Focus on recipient groups (previous experiences in Mexico and Afghanistan have already been presented).
• Support to capacity building and information analysis tools and studies on food security.
• Consolidation of a discussion forum on emergency situations and early warning indicators.

For more information on the activities of the Thematic Group in Guatemala, please contact Mr. José Luis Vivero, GIISAN Coordinator at pesasye@intelnett.com