Semilla Nueva
Geography:
GUATEMALA
Type:
GRANT
Mission
Fighting malnutrition and poverty by producing biofortified corn.
The Problem
Guatemala has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition globally—nearly half of children show signs of stunted growth from lack of nutrients. Across developing regions, 1.2 billion people rely on maize as a dietary staple but consume varieties with low nutritional value, leading to persistent malnutrition and poor health outcomes. Malnutrition can often be found among smallholder farmers who often grow just enough food to feed their families, limiting economic mobility and poor nutrition. The poorest populations are often smallholder corn farmers who only grow enough corn to feed their families and lack access to improved seeds that could double their yields and raise their incomes and improve health outcomes. Maize’s popularity and affordability trap entire populations in nutritional poverty, as typical seeds lack key vitamins and minerals.
The Solution
Semilla Nueva works at the intersection of agriculture and nutrition to fight malnutrition from the ground up—starting with a better seed.
Its approach centers on biofortified corn: naturally bred to contain higher levels of zinc, iron, and protein. By distributing these seeds to local farmers, Semilla Nueva enables families to grow, eat, and sell more nutritious food—without changing their diets or behaviors.
Key elements of the model include:
High-nutrient corn seed production and distribution through local farmer networks
Farmer training and technical assistance to improve crop adoption and yield
Partnerships with government agencies to influence national seed systems
Market-based pricing to make seeds affordable and scalable
Evidence-based monitoring to track health and income outcomes
Defined Outcomes and Impact:
Semilla Nueva uses rigorous measurement and randomized control trials to assess impact. Recent outcomes include:
54,000+ people reached through biofortified corn adoption
Up to 80% increase in zinc and protein intake for consuming families
Over 4,000 farming families equipped with high-yielding, nutritious seeds
18% average increase in crop productivity
$1.59 per person average cost to deliver improved nutrition
How to Support
To learn more or contribute, email us at impact@uicharitable.org, and we can help you support this organization through your UI Charitable Donor-Advised Fund.
How to Support
To learn more or contribute, email us at impact@uicharitable.org, and we can help you support this organization through your UI Charitable Donor-Advised Fund.