Honduras faces food insecurity and shrimp production crisis

Honduras is grappling with significant food and economic challenges driven by rising costs and climate conditions. The National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) has warned that approximately 1.88 million people, or 18% of the analyzed population, face acute food insecurity. This crisis is attributed to rising food prices, low household incomes, and agricultural difficulties. The cost of the urban basic food basket per person has increased by nearly 50% since 2019.

Simultaneously, the aquaculture sector is suffering from a prolonged drought, particularly in the southern departments of Choluteca and Valle. The National Association of Aquaculturists of Honduras (ANDAH) reports that 214 shrimp farms have been forced to halt operations before completing harvests. High temperatures and increased water salinity in the Gulf of Fonseca have hindered shrimp growth, leading the industry to lower its production target for 2026 from 159 million pounds to 146 million pounds.