“The trainings enable livestock-raising families to become active agents of change, applying more efficient practices that benefit both the family economy and the environment.”
Josué Mauricio Flores, M.Sc., nutrition specialist
Strengthening local capacities for climate action
Livestock farming is a cornerstone of Honduras’s rural economy but faces persistent challenges such as low productivity, nutritional deficiencies, and high disease incidence, particularly in tropical regions. Since 2023, the Honduras Livestock project has worked to introduce precision livestock practices that optimise feed resources, improve animal health, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In the context of climate change and agricultural challenges, the project, implemented by the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), promotes participatory processes with Honduran livestock-farming families to foster more efficient and sustainable production systems. Through its Facilitator Training Programme, a key technical assistance component, the project strengthens the capacities of those guiding change processes in the livestock sector. Trained facilitators then replicate dynamic, hands-on sessions in the Field Schools (Escuelas de Campo, ECAs), where producer families learn and innovate together.
“When livestock-raising families apply their knowledge to produce quality milk, they have a better chance of selling their product on the market. Good milking practices make the cattle farm more productive and sustainable,”
Francisco Erazo, facilitator from Olancho
Learning by doing: field schools as spaces of innovation
The ECAs, located across the departments of Yoro, Colón, Olancho, and Choluteca, serve as living laboratories for experimentation and collective learning. Here, livestock producers exchange knowledge, test new techniques, and build context-specific solutions that promote sustainable, low-carbon livestock farming.
During recent training sessions, specialists shared practical knowledge on livestock nutrition, precision feeding, and controlling parasitic diseases. Modules included:
- Feed production and parasite management, taught by CURLA specialists;
- Milking routines and milk quality, delivered by Heifer International;
- Herd structure and management, led by experts from Zamorano University.
These efforts promote more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible livestock systems, aligned with the project’s goals of mitigating climate change impacts while improving rural livelihoods.
“We learned how to calculate how much feed our livestock really needs and how to make better use of the pasture we produce on the farm.”
Alexis Rigoberto Espinal, from the community of Jicaral, Linaca, Choluteca
Key achievements and highlights
- Over 2.100 producers trained in sustainable practices that combine local knowledge with modern technical tools. Among them, 15.8% are women, 15.1% are youth (under 30), 65.5% are adults up to 50 years old, and 19.3% are older adults; reflecting a strong commitment to inclusion and gender equality.
- Precision feeding plans implemented to enhance forage utilisation and reduce dependency on external inputs.
- GHG emission reductions achieved through more efficient and balanced feeding strategies.
- Tailored parasite control programmes designed to improve herd health and productivity.
- Active participation of women and youth, strengthening community leadership and resilience.
Voices from the field
“With the deworming plan, we now know how to prevent diseases before they affect production. It’s an improvement for us and for our animals,”
Edas Mondragón, facilitator from Choluteca
“Understanding the structure of the herd is essential for the farm’s operation, as it allows us to identify areas for improvement, set production goals, and guide the vision for the livestock business,”
Juan Carlos Galeano, facilitator at Fegasurh, Choluteca
Looking ahead: scaling up low-emission livestock practices
The project will continue strengthening local capacities through field days and technical modules focused on production efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. In the coming months, training will expand to additional departments, incorporating topics such as genetic improvement, manure management, and climate change adaptation. In doing so, the Mitigation Action Facility and CATIE reaffirm their commitment and support for a low-emission, profitable, and inclusive livestock sector in Honduras, one that improves productivity while protecting natural resources and the well-being of rural communities.
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