Honduran Veterinarian Honored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Carlos Tabora, a veterinarian from Honduras, was recently recognized for his commitment to transforming the livestock system of his home country during the second Food and Agriculture Organization Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation. Through its ‘Recognition of Good Practices and Innovations’ initiative, the organization highlights projects that promote sustainability, resilience and equity in food systems worldwide.

“This achievement reflects the joint efforts of thousands of farming families who have decided to commit to a more just, profitable, and sustainable livestock industry for future generations,” Tabora says. “This recognition reaffirms the commitment of Honduras’s rural communities to building a livestock model that protects natural resources and strengthens livelihoods.”

Tabora is the acting livestock project manager for Heifer Honduras, the local branch of Heifer International, which works to end hunger and poverty in communities across the globe — including within the U.S. — through seed investments of livestock or agriculture followed by mentorship.

In his role, Tabora led program activities in Olancho, the largest livestock-producing region of Honduras. Historically, livestock production in this area revolved around the expansion of pastures at the expense of forests, which contributed to deforestation, soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

In response to this challenge, Heifer International launched the ‘Transitioning Livestock Production in Olancho: From Traditional Grazing to Climate-Smart Systems’ initiative based on the adoption of silvopasture systems. These systems integrate trees, forage crops and livestock grazing, and can increase meat and milk production, improve soil fertility, conserve water and capture carbon. This initiative also involved Field School educational sessions held on host farms where farming families learned about animal nutrition, pasture management, reproduction and herd health.

Over 10,000 farming families have adopted silvopasture systems, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity and an 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Further, this initiative has actively encouraged women’s leadership within agriculture.

The model being applied in Olancho is now being replicated in six additional areas of Honduras, with plans to expand to Guatemala and Mexico next year.