(HONDURAS) Raul Aleman lives in the community of El Coyolar, Honduras. He has traditionally planted corn and beans for a living. His agricultural activities depend entirely on rain, and due to recent changes in climate, rainfall is increasingly unpredictable each year. This causes chronic low production and sometimes total crop loss.

As a measure of adaptation to climate change, farmers in El Coyolar, with support from Diaconia Nacional and World Renew, have been introduced to new crops to promote agricultural diversification. Farmers are now more aware that they can no longer rely on traditional crops as a livelihood.

Raul Aleman, as the leader of the group of farmers in the community, is growing tomatoes for the first time. He received training in cultivating his crop and gets support for purchasing the agricultural aids he needs to grow the tomatoes properly.

Raul prepared a small plot of land that is part of a larger area where he traditionally cultivated beans. He began growing the tomatoes using micro tunnels that protect the crop from pests and temperature changes. Raul made sure that there was enough water available to care for his field. While providing tomatoes with protection by creating a microclimate, Raul also used organic fertilizers and organic pesticides that he made himself to better care for his crops.

Raul has already harvested his first crop of tomatoes. He got a very good harvest, and he was able to sell his produce in his community and other markets in nearby communities. His success is an example to other farmers that crop diversification is a viable way to adapt to climate change, especially when the rainfall is unpredictable.

Now neighboring farmers are more aware of their options and motivated to plant other crops, especially because it can help improve the community’s food security situation.

The income Raul earned by selling his tomato crop helped him better provide for his family and purchase food that is produced outside his community. Raul has also used part of the profits to pay off some debts he was unable to pay with his small harvest of corn and beans. He also saved some money to begin growing tomatoes again following the upcoming rainy season in which he will grow corn. 

  • Please pray for the safety and wellbeing of our partner agency staff members. Honduras has a high crime rate, and violence puts the lives of the brave men and women who go out and do so much for the good of our country at risk.

  • Also pray for abundant rain. Our crops have dried up and died, and many already poor families are suffering from lack of food. Many people in Honduras depend on this second planting season for food and income. 

Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for this blessing!

Irene Zepeda de Murillo

Country Consultant
World Renew Honduras

World Renew's ministry in Honduras is made possible, in part, by the generous support of the Canadian government's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.