The sacred corn of the Kaiowá
As for many other indigenous cultures of Latin America, maize is a sacred plant for the Kaiowá people. Kaiowá community leader Valdomiro and his wife are shown here blessing corn at the indigenous reserve of Panambizinho, in Mato Grosso do Sul. The joint UN programme is trying to boost appreciation of indigenous rituals as part of its efforts to improve agricultural production.
Photo by Renata Oliveira Costa, July 2011