Honduras drought causes total crop loss, mayor warns

The southern region of Honduras is facing a severe crisis due to a prolonged drought, impacting agricultural and livestock production. Edwin Lindo, the mayor of Namasigüe in Choluteca, has sounded the alarm about total losses in early crop production and critical challenges in securing water and feed for cattle.

The lack of rain has drastically reduced water sources and pastureland, pushing the livestock sector to its limits. Producers are struggling to find adequate food and water for their animals, leading to cattle deaths and forcing desperate owners to sell their herds at significantly reduced prices. "There is no food, there is no pasture, there is no water. Unfortunately, they are dying, and other people are opting to sell the little livestock they have," Lindo stated.

The drought's effects extend to water supply systems, with drilled wells experiencing considerably diminished water flow. Residents have appealed to the municipality for new wells to ensure a consistent supply of water. Agricultural activities have also been devastated, with the mayor reporting a 100% loss for farmers who planted during the early growing season.

Given that Namasigüe's economy heavily relies on agriculture and livestock, the absence of rain poses a direct threat to family incomes. Lindo cautioned that the drought's consequences could persist until the end of the year and extend into 2027 if rainfall and water levels do not recover. This situation could also lead to increased food prices and reduced purchasing power for families.

In response, the Municipal Corporation is considering reallocating funds from existing projects to address the most urgent needs. Mayor Lindo is also urging the National Congress to allow greater flexibility in the use of municipal transfers, enabling local governments to allocate more resources to emergency food procurement and distribution.