Climate change resilient families in Honduras

During this quarter, COMAL network led two trainings on fish farming with 75 women and men in the department of La Paz, Honduras. In this region inhabited by indigenous, small-scale farmers and farm laborers, families often lack access to protein sources, such as fish. The technical training was completed with the delivery and stocking of fingerlings (small fish) in alliance with the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DIGEPESCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras. 104 bags were delivered with a total of 32,350 gray tilapia fingerlings, benefiting more than 100 producing families in the communities of Palo Blanco (Santa Elena), Corinthio (Santa Ana), Arenales (Chinacla), El Pastal, Planes, Santa Cruz, Corral de Piedra, La Estanzuela, El Pelón in the municipality of Marcala, La Paz.

This important effort will strengthen the food sovereignty of campesino and indigenous families in rural communities in La Paz. The initiative creates viable opportunities for family production and will contribute to better nutrition in these rural households.

In addition to the productive component, this initiative represents a commitment to food autonomy, the strengthening of the local economy, and the resilience of the communities in the face of the environmental threats to traditional food production. By managing fish farming, participants will diversify their food sources, incorporate quality proteins into their diet and generate income from the future sale of fish, thus strengthening the economy in their communities, even in the face of climate change.

Geomembrane water tanks were contributed by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) for the tilapia production. COMAL technical staff trained community participants in their use. This environmentally friendly technology is a solution to the problem of water scarcity in certain areas. Moreover, the fish feces will serve as natural fertilizer for crops since the water in the tanks is connected to the irrigation systems, thus reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and therefore soil and water pollution.

We appreciate the solidarity of the donor community at GlobalGiving that strengthens the support of DIGEPESCA, GAFSP and the energetic commitment of producer families. COMAL reaffirms its purpose to build food sovereignty from within the communities and promote alternatives that strengthen a future of dignity and wellbeing within the Honduran countryside.

For 32 years, the COMAL network (Red COMAL) has worked to support the livelihoods of small-scale producers. During this period, resources have been allocated to strengthen the capacities of rural and indigenous small-scale farmers to conserve and protect native seeds.

Main achievements:

More than 35 women and 63 men in departments of Choluteca and La Paz participated in five training workshops and are now able to apply methods to classify and conserve native seeds found in their communities, including various varieties of corn, beans, maize, squash, coffee, and more. The communities include Los Horcones and La Pintura in the municipality of Concepción de María and Guasaule in El Corpus in the department of Choluteca. In the department of La Paz, the communities of Los Puentes and El Cedro in Opatoro are actively engaged in the process.

As part of the training process, these COMAL communities undertook an inventory of native seeds, fruit trees and medicinal plants that exist in the communities. Two Native Seed Conservation Centers (CCSN) were constructed. Additional support included equipment and materials for the conservation of native seeds, including the provision of 20 metal silos with the capacity to store 200 pounds in each silo and 378 glass containers.

COMAL worked with local authorities in an open town hall meeting. 104 producers from 37 rural and indigenous communities were engaged in the meeting. Participants formally approved the Public Policy for the Protection of Native Seeds in the municipality of Opatoro, La Paz.

The families organized in the COMAL Network thank the donor community and GlobalGiving for being part of the protection of livelihoods in rural areas in Honduras.