Stop hunger with indigenous families in Honduras

COMAL Network

 October 10, 2025

Thirteenth quarterly report for GlobalGiving

 Project Title: Stop hunger for indigenous families in Honduras (53804)

 Despite limitations due to climate instability, low market prices for products, and a lack of public policies favorable to producers, rural and indigenous communities sustain production processes and boost the economy in rural areas through the production of basic grains and vegetables. However, many families experience nutritional deficiencies, especially children, due to a lack of knowledge about nutrition and hygiene practices in food preparation.

 Main achievements:

 This quarter, resources were directed toward strengthening training and education processes for producers, especially on nutrition and hygiene issues. At least 350 households in rural areas were trained on these topics.

 For 10 weeks, two senior students from the Food and Nutritional Security program at the Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University provided support. They developed their professional practice with the aim of applying the knowledge they had acquired in real-life contexts, thereby strengthening the technical, social, and educational skills of the students and families. This experience is an essential component of the training, as it allows students to link theory with practice and respond to the food and nutritional needs of communities from a comprehensive approach.

 The activities took place in rural communities in the departments of La Paz, Intibucá, and Lempira, where educational talks were given on healthy eating and the five keys to food safety, and practical workshops were held on preparing healthy foods. These actions are in line with the principles of food and nutritional security and sovereignty, as they contribute to access, availability, and proper use of food and promote hygienic practices in the home.

 Training was provided in 25 rural communities in the departments of La Paz, Intibucá, and Lempira on topics related to nutrition and hygiene, promoting healthy practices in the home. A total of 351 people participated, including 216 adult women and 87 young women.

 In addition, 78 Dietary Diversity Index surveys were conducted to assess the eating habits of participating families. The results show that the majority of the population has a moderate diet based on the consumption of carbohydrates obtained from basic grains and some vegetables.

 As part of this support, a recipe book based on the products produced in the community and a nutrition and hygiene manual were developed.

  We are grateful for the solidarity and support of the donor community who, through GlobalGiving, make these processes of accompanying rural families possible

COMAL Network

July 01, 2025

In recent months, weather conditions have been favorable for agricultural production in the western region of Honduras. Sunny days and rainy days have provided a favorable environment for the corn and bean crops, basic to indigenous and small-holder farming families.

The COMAL network has continued to promote and accompany the development of agroecological plots, home gardens and the value chains of some products with nutritional and commercial potential. 

Main achievements:

In this quarter, resources were directed to the acquisition of 5600 plantain stem bases (corms) of the curaré variety. COMAL delivered these corms to 400 families affiliated our network in the largely indigenous departments of Lempira, Intibucá and La Paz.

With the support of technical staff, field schools advanced the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and management techniques for cultivating plantain and other short-cycle crops in home gardens.  In 18 months, the production results of planting and caring of these crops will benefit the growers and their communities.

Plantain is a food that contributes to family food security and sovereignty. Several studies show that it is a fruit with numerous health benefits due to its richness in nutrients and bioactive compounds. It is an excellent source of energy due to its content of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamins (especially C and B6), fiber and antioxidants. In addition, its easy digestibility and prebiotic properties make it beneficial for intestinal health.

On behalf of the board of directors and community organizations affiliated with the COMAL network, we thank the financial support of the donor community who, through GlobalGiving, contribute to the fulfillment of rural families enjoying the human right to food in western Honduras.