IC Guatemala:Developing Innovation

Allison Dickinson, Sharena Colletesse, Melissa Moreland and Nick Sabato

Migration, Family Planning and Innovative Communication in Guatemala

By the NumbersMaternal Mortality is 5x higher in rural

versus urban areas Indigenous women, on average, have 1.4

more children than non-indigenous womenChild mortality and malnutrition are 50%

higher among rural, indigenous childrenUnmet contraceptive need is particularly

high in rural areas (25.4%) and among indigenous women (29.6%), in comparison with urban areas (14.7%) and non-indigenous women (15.1%).

Case Study

Main Factors:

•Technology•Education•Cultural/Religious Practices

Innovative Recommendations

Replication + Expansion = Greater Impact

Nutrition Innovation in Guatemala

Typical Guatemalan Meal

Malnutrition & Stunting

Region World Guatemala0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Average rate of stunt-ing in children, 1990-

1998

Innovations in Micronutrient Fortification

Innovation of Higher Education in Guatemala

International Education Exchange ◦Flow of ideas, people, resources

1,000 Guatemalans in US each year

1,200 US students in Guatemala each year

Higher Education ProgramsEducationUSA Guatemala

◦Free unbiased information about applying to US institutions, scholarships

Instituto Guatemateco Americano ◦English/Spanish Classes Exchanges◦Teacher Professional Development◦Cultural Events

Suggestions for InnovationEducational Outreach to lower

attrition◦High School & College Counseling◦Nutritional programs in schools◦English preparation

University Partnerships

Media and Innovation in Guatemala

Media LandscapeTelevision and Radio dominate

media landscape◦Owned primarily by a small group of

familiesHowever, community radio is

illegal◦Disables indigenous peoples from

using radio to communicate important social issues

PolicyUN Document, Agreement on

identity and rights of indigenous peoples

1996 General Law of Communications ◦Modeled after US FCC◦Liberalization of the spectrum◦TUF’s

Case Studies

Key FindingsMulti-stakeholder, cross-national

collaborations between sectors should be emphasized to achieve greater impact.

More innovative channels of communication can be utilized to increase awareness of social services and education.

Indigenous populations should be valued and empowered in society.