Honduras Promotes the Development of Guides for Sustainable Livestock

• The country's livestock sector is working on the development of technical materials to support the implementation of Livestock Farmer Field Schools.

From January 27 to 30, representatives from various institutions linked to Honduran livestock production gathered to review and develop didactic guides and technical sheets on sustainable livestock practices. These materials will serve as technical and methodological support for facilitators implementing Farmer Field Schools (FFS) for livestock producers starting in June in the Aguán Valley, Olancho, and southern Honduras.

This initiative is part of the project "Transforming the Honduran Livestock Sector into a Low-Carbon Economy (MAF-Ganadería-HN)," implemented by CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center).

Strengthening Sustainable Livestock in Honduras

During the meeting, participants discussed the FFS methodology and its connection with the didactic materials, ensuring their applicability and usefulness in the field. Additionally, previously developed guides were reviewed for approval, and progress was made on the construction of pending materials.

The importance of this effort lies in its long-term impact. These materials will not only serve as a reference for FFS facilitators but could also lay the foundation for a future national technical assistance program for cattle ranching, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices that contribute to reducing emissions in the sector.

Participating Institutions and Work Agenda

The event was attended by representatives from:

• National Federation of Livestock Farmers of Honduras (FENAGH)
• Pan-American Agricultural School, Zamorano
• Chamber for the Promotion of Livestock in Honduras (CAFOGAH)
• National University of Agriculture and Livestock (UNAG)
• HEIFER International
• Regional University Center of the Atlantic Coast (CURLA)

The activities carried out included:

• Teamwork to review and develop guides and technical sheets on sustainable livestock practices.
• Establishing follow-up mechanisms for the completion and validation of materials, both in-person and remotely.

Towards a Sustainable Transformation

As a result of the workshop, five technical documents were reviewed and updated, structuring the training guides and technical sheets within the following modules:

1. Animal Health and Reproduction
2. Silvopastoral Systems
3. Animal Feeding and Nutrition
4. Livestock Infrastructure
5. Livestock Management and Administration

These materials will be formatted and designed for integration into the RISE platform, facilitating access and use by key sector stakeholders.

The process of developing these guides will continue with individualized follow-up for participating university professors, combining in-person and virtual sessions to ensure the completion of all five modules.

Through this initiative, the MAF-Ganadería-HN project reinforces its commitment to transforming Honduran livestock production, promoting a more efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient sector.