PLANTS, PESTICIDES AND PRODUCTION IN GUATEMALA - NUTRITION, HEALTH AND NONTRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE - COMMENTARY

This paper examines, in historical and social context, the impact of nontraditional agriculture on Guatemala's rural poor. Known and possible effects of the increasing use of pesticides are described and discussed. Observed and predictable ecological and social outcomes are noted. Nutritional consequences of changing farming practices are explored, with special emphasis on the micronutrient profiles of traditional and nontraditional foodstuffs. This paper uses evidence from interviews and from the literature to argue that the expansion of nontraditional export agriculture in Guatemala's highlands holds few benefits and many risks for Guatemalas's rural poor. On the other hand, large producers, exporters, foreign importers and distributors, as well as the agrochemical industry, have a great deal to gain, and it is assumed that this is why non-traditionals have fared so well in recent years. The conclusion lists changes in development policy thought to be necessary to improve the lot of Guatemala's rural poor.