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.