IICA pledges support for agricultural transformation in Honduras following high-level talks

The head of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Muhammad Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Honduras’ agricultural development following high-level talks in the capital, Tegucigalpa.

An IICA release indicated that his visit followed an invitation of President Nasry “Tito” Asfura, with discussions centered on strengthening the country’s farming sector and improving food systems.

It is reported that during a meeting at the Presidential Palace, Ibrahim outlined IICA’s readiness to provide technical assistance aimed at modernizing agriculture in Honduras.

Talks between the two leaders explored how the organization can help reshape food systems through technical cooperation, training initiatives, policy development, and mobilizing resources.

The discussions come as Honduras looks to leverage agriculture as a key engine for economic expansion and improved livelihoods, particularly in rural communities.

Ibrahim also briefed the President on IICA’s ongoing efforts to apply science, innovation, and technology to build more resilient food systems. He explained how these initiatives align with the government’s broader push to eliminate hunger while strengthening nutrition and national food security.

As per the release, another major focus of the talks was the need to tackle agricultural threats that cross borders. These include pests and diseases such as the New World Screwworm in cattle, Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) affecting banana crops, avian influenza, and African Swine Fever. Strengthening collaboration in these areas was highlighted as critical to safeguarding the country’s agricultural output.

Environmental challenges were also high on the agenda, particularly the prolonged dry conditions linked to El Niño and their impact on food production. Ibrahim pointed to IICA’s ongoing partnership with the Honduran government, including the rollout of incentive programs—or “bonos”—to support technology adoption, coffee production, and livestock farming. IICA said that President Asfura was very keen for IICA to continue implementing this program.

The release further shared that the meeting also explored practical steps to mitigate the effects of drought, including improving irrigation systems, ensuring access to seeds and fertilizers, and promoting better planning for planting cycles. In addition, President Asfura expressed strong interest in advancing a proposal to establish a seed processing facility to guarantee a reliable supply, while backing Ibrahim’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s agrifood sector.

President Asfura’s Chief of Staff, Juan Carlos García, was also present during the discussions.

Following the meeting, Ibrahim held further talks with Moisés Abraham Molina, Honduras’ Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG).

Their discussions focused on expanding technical cooperation and increasing resource mobilization to support local farmers.

They also reviewed potential agricultural development initiatives that would incorporate the country’s forest resources, while addressing preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated drought in the months ahead.