Programs in central america

BELIZE - HONDURAS - Panamá

Our proven, effective, and tailored model has led to long-term results in 4 countries since 1997. With new pilot projects, initiatives, and programs, we continue to grow and improve upon our original model.

Each country program tailors the model to their cultural context, and each partner farmer is able to mold the model to their specific needs and vision.

Belize

SHI-Belize is our smallest yet mightiest program. Our dedicated team builds close relationships with farmers to share practical, sustainable farming strategies that improve well-being and the country’s tropical forests. 

The sugarcane industry and other large, conventional agricultural industries dominate the local economy. High deforestation rates and increasing development make this environmentally rich and biodiverse landscape an important focus. Native flora and fauna are vulnerable to extinction due to devastating agricultural practices.

SHI-Belize partners with local conservation organizations to increase the size of biological corridors, so native animals such as iconic jaguars can be further protected.

Founded: 1999
Region: Corozal and Orange Walk, previously in the southern districts
Projects: Scaling Positive Agriculture (SPA)
Graduated families: 247
Active families: 65

Honduras

SHI-Honduras is our largest and oldest program, noted for its commitment to community participation and empowerment.

Logging and slash-and-burn agriculture have destroyed or damaged large parts of Honduras’ once-pristine tropical forests. Erosion now devastates the country’s mountains and hills, which cover close to 80% of Honduras’ land area.

Farming along mountain slopes presents distinct challenges for rural farmers, especially as many areas are now plagued with infertile soil that does not produce food or support plants.

SHI-Honduras is leading the charge on regenerative methods by innovating, evolving, and scaling our 27-year-old model to further develop sustainable agribusinesses.

Founded: 1997
Region: Siguatepeque
Programs: TREE, Clinton Global Initiative
Graduated families: 695
Active families: 199

Panamá

Panama’s ecosystems are being degraded to due soil erosion and siltation of the Panama Canal, mining led by foreign companies, and conventional agriculture, specifically in the rice industry. Panamanians deal with a large wealth gaps, which are further pronounced in rural areas. Large agricultural corporations degrade the land to make more profit, leaving family farmers small amounts of land to cultivate.

Vast areas of tropical forest and mangroves are being exploited for short-term material gain, threatening the thousands of native plant and animal species and families whose livelihoods depend on the health of local ecosystems.

SHI-Panamá supports family farmers competing with corporations for land, restores tropical ecosystems, and helps close the wealth gap that threatens rural livelihoods.