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.

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