Seguridad Alimentaria:¿Cuáles son los desafíos que enfrenta Honduras en pandemia y cambio climático?

Summary

In this insightful interview with Wilmer Reyes, Rector of the National University of Agriculture, he discusses the significant impact of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and hurricanes on Honduras' agriculture and livestock sectors. Reyes highlights the dire need for attention to agricultural productivity, technological innovation, and the modernization of the agro-industrial sector. He calls for integrated public policies and cooperation between government, private sector, and academia to create a resilient food system. With climate change exacerbating droughts, he stresses the importance of adaptation to ensure food security and economic growth for the country’s agricultural future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and hurricanes have severely impacted Honduras' agricultural sector, resulting in crop and livestock losses.
• 😀 Honduras is struggling to maintain its historical role as the 'breadbasket of Central America' due to lower agricultural productivity compared to neighboring countries.
• 😀 Climate change is significantly affecting crop production, particularly in regions with scarce water resources, like the dry corridor.
• 😀 The 'canícula' or dry season presents a challenge for farmers who lack access to irrigation, but rainfall predictions for the year are expected to be above average.
• 😀 Public policies in Honduras should focus on the entire agricultural value chain, from input supply to production, storage, distribution, and consumer habits.
• 😀 There is a need for policies that encourage technological innovation and equip young people with 21st-century skills to boost agricultural productivity.
• 😀 The agroindustrial sector plays a crucial role in adding value to agricultural products, but post-harvest losses remain a major challenge, with an estimated 25-30% of produce lost after harvest.
• 😀 To improve food security, the agroindustry should work more closely with small farmers, ensuring mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.
• 😀 There is a growing concern about the expansion of the dry corridor, which is expected to double in size over the next decade if current trends in water stress and drought continue.
• 😀 Dr. Reyes advocates for the integration of technology and data systems to support small farmers, improve food production systems, and address food insecurity in Honduras.

Q & A

What are the main challenges the agricultural sector in Honduras has faced recently?

The agricultural sector in Honduras has been severely impacted by a combination of factors such as droughts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and hurricanes. These events have led to significant losses, particularly in crops and livestock, and have exacerbated the vulnerabilities of the sector.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the agricultural sector in Honduras?

The pandemic has added strain to an already struggling agricultural sector. It disrupted supply chains, limited access to markets, and delayed the planting and harvesting processes, further impacting production and the livelihoods of farmers.

What is the estimated financial impact of the recent climatic events on Honduras' agriculture?

The losses from the combination of hurricanes, drought, and the pandemic are estimated at approximately 8.8 billion Lempiras, with additional losses from the destruction of thousands of hectares of crops like maize, beans, and bananas.

Why has Honduras struggled to maintain its status as the 'breadbasket' of Central America?

Honduras has shifted its focus to volume-based agricultural production rather than increasing productivity per unit area. Additionally, the country has lagged behind its neighbors in adopting advanced agricultural technologies, making its agriculture less competitive.

How has climate change affected farming in Honduras over the years?

Climate change has introduced greater unpredictability in weather patterns, making it more difficult for farmers to predict planting and harvest times. This has led to reduced yields and made farming a riskier endeavor compared to past decades.

What role did the elimination of permanent technical assistance play in the decline of Honduran agriculture?

The removal of permanent technical assistance has significantly harmed the agricultural sector. The lack of consistent support and guidance for farmers has left many without the knowledge and tools to adapt to modern agricultural practices, especially in the face of climate change.

What is the significance of the 'canícula' period in Honduras, and how does it impact crops?

The 'canícula' is a dry period within the rainy season, which can lead to reduced precipitation and impact crops already planted. This year, predictions suggest the canícula will be shorter, but there are concerns about coinciding rainfall and the need for better water management strategies for farmers.

What are some key recommendations for addressing the challenges facing small-scale farmers in Honduras?

It is crucial to improve access to technology, meteorological data, and technical support for small-scale farmers. Adjusting climate models to be more locally relevant and providing tailored guidance will help improve productivity and resilience to climate fluctuations.

What role does the agroindustrial sector play in the country's economy, and what challenges does it face?

The agroindustrial sector is crucial for economic development, generating jobs and linking agricultural production with processing industries. However, there are significant post-harvest losses (25-30%) in Honduras, which undermines the sector's potential. Improving agroindustry efficiency is key to addressing food security issues.

What public policies does the rector suggest to improve the agricultural and agroindustrial sectors in Honduras?

The rector suggests a comprehensive approach that includes better organization of the agricultural system, increased innovation and technology adoption, and the reintroduction of extension services to help farmers. He also emphasizes the need for policies that align with the realities of the 21st century to make agriculture more attractive, especially to younger generations.