Stop hunger with indigenous families in Honduras

The COMAL network (“Red COMAL” in Spanish) led training on fish farming as a strategy for food security and sovereignty in several indigenous communities in the department of Intibucá. Seven members of COMAL’s technical team also participated in these conferences and will monitor and accompany the producers. The training, attended by 51 small-scale farmers, was facilitated by agriculturalist Pedro Campos of the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DIGIPESCA), part of the Honduran Agricultural Department.

The objective of ongoing training is to guarantee healthy, sustainable production with a positive impact on family consumption and nutrition. These sessions focused on feeding practices and the calculation of food rations according to the weight of the fish. Other important topics included water management, disease control, population density, growth cycles and essential care. The training method allowed for open dialogue among producers, who shared their questions, uncertainties and experiences to strengthen their capacities collectively. 33,500 fingerlings were also delivered, benefiting about 100 rural families. The communities made a financial commitment to the project, with each family contributing L. 60.00 ($2.50) for the purchase of oxygen bags for the transfer of the fry.

Why fish farming? There are many reasons. Fish farming is nutritionally important for improving the diet of families. In addition, nutrients are generated in the ponds where the fish are produced contribute to the benefits of crop irrigation. With the support of DIGEPESCA and the commitment of the producer families, COMAL reaffirms its purpose of strengthening food sovereignty and promoting alternatives that contribute to the well-being and dignity of the farming families who, for centuries, have protected natural resources.

Our network and communities express a special thanks for those upholding the right to healthy food and for your on-the-ground support.