Stop hunger with indigenous families in Honduras

In rural communities in Honduras, family gardens are part of a rich tradition practiced for many years and passed down from generation to generation. Why does this tradition persist? Rural and indigenous people in the COMAL network provide many answers: a garden allows us to grow edible, aromatic and fruit plants; we can also grow medicinal plants; a garden puts food on our tables; our garden products taste better and are nutritional. Nonetheless, insufficient funds for inputs and climate-related obstacles have added a new layer of vulnerability to patio planting.

During this quarter in the department of Lempira, one of the high poverty areas in western Honduras where COMAL consistently works, 27 farming women and 3 farming men planted radish, beetroot, cilantro and beans in their family plots.  COMAL provided the seeds and the technical assistance so that these crops would be successful, even during a time of rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns, particularly a lack of rain.

The challenges of planting a previously unfamiliar food type are many, and COMAL's technical support is present in the communities to ensure the correct transmission of new knowledge on irrigation, organic pest control, organic fertilizers, crop maintenance, and harvest and storage.

At the same time, COMAL is aware that food preparation must meet cultural and safety standards, because food is a source of comfort and joy as well as of nutrients. In this quarter the COMAL network and partner, the non-profit School Gastronomy MISKA/CONNECTION, conducted a food preparation workshop in the department of Lempira. 19 rural women participated. In Yamaranguila, Intibuca, another workshop was held, this time focusing on the educational sector in this indigenous community. 72 students and 23 teachers took part. Each demonstration of a recipe – and the participant implementation that followed – was marked by careful attention to health and hygiene standards, all contributing to the important goal of food sovereignty and security.

    COMAL thanks GlobalGiving and its donor for supporting the production of healthy foods in vulnerable areas.