FFP & ICDF Honduras Partnership Yields Results
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (December 5, 2008) –The partnership of two profoundly committed relief organizations – Food For The Poor and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) – has yielded extraordinary results in the country of Honduras. Together they have developed aquaculture and animal husbandry projects that provide the poor with a means of self-sufficiency.
“To help break the cycle of poverty, the ICDF and Food For The Poor have developed long-term, sustainable solutions to improve the economic situations of poor communities. Together we provide the poor with reliable facilities and the training that will enable them to become self-sustaining,” said Angel Aloma, executive director of Food For The Poor.
The ICDF has provided the technical guidance and training necessary to ensure the success of the multiple tilapia farm projects. The Tilapia Farm Program is a fish farming initiative specifically designed to enhance food production in countries that are food insecure. By involving entire communities in the fish farming initiative, not only is the problem of food scarcity addressed, but the participants are able to develop a marketable product which will provide economic sustainability.
To date, 10 separate tilapia farms totaling 43 fully operational ponds are located throughout Honduras and have been completed. The success of the initial efforts provides a real motivation for continuing this endeavor to ensure food access to the poorest of the poor.
The animal husbandry projects are also generating significant and positive results. Families and communities are provided with animals – chickens, pigs and goats – as a means of producing food. The work of the ICDF has been vital in the establishment of these animal rearing projects through their aid in supplying starter stock, coops or pens, medicine and feed.
Three goat farms, one pig farm, three chicken farms, and one multi-animal project are now complete and producing. The instruction in animal rearing provided by the ICDF has enabled many families to gain the self-sufficiency that will lift them out of poverty.
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund serves as Taiwan’s dedicated international development and cooperation organization, with a mission of “working for humanity, sustainable development, and economic progress.” The ICDF shares Taiwan’s development experience with partner countries, and assists developing nations in their efforts to become self-reliant, enabling them to emerge from poverty.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. Since 1982, we have provided clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and emergency relief, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For additional information please visit our Web site www.foodforthepoor.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Leigh Oates
Public Relations Coordinator
(954) 427-2222 x 6054
[email protected]