Marta Ávalos Martínez used to fear losing everything to drought.
The community leader from Camotán in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor had to walk long distances for maize and water, after alternating periods of drought and heavy rain devastated crops and livelihoods.
With anticipatory funding from OCHA-managed UN Global Emergency Fund (CERF), Marta and her neighbours received drought-tolerant seeds, repaired water systems, and cash assistance, allowing them to store grain locally and irrigate vegetable gardens.
“Before, we waited for help after everything was lost,” Marta says. “Now, we’re ready to face what comes.”
In Guatemala, families like Marta’s are gaining resources to prepare for drought, showing how anticipatory action, made possible by CERF funding partners, can protect lives and livelihoods before crises hit.
Read Marta’s story that highlights the human impact of drought, the role of anticipatory funding, and why timely humanitarian support is crucial for families across Guatemala: https://unocha.exposure.co/guatemalanbsp
Posted November 2025.
Pooled Fund impact stories.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.