Honduran farmers plan to beat hurricanes

23 November 1998

Honduran farmers’ plan to beat hurricanes

FARMERS in Honduras beat the recent devastating hurricane with their own particular system of farming.

The Quezungal method, named after the village where it was first observed, avoids the slash-and-burn technique that leads to erosion, soil degradation and the destruction of watersheds.

It involves planting under trees, so that the soil is anchored by the roots in the event of heavy rainfall.

Vegetation from pruning provides the soil nutrients and terracing. This also helps eliminate erosion.

Farmers use the traditional pointed stick when sowing instead of ploughing.

The Honduran Government wants to extend the method to other parts of the country.

• The Guardian 23/11/98 page 12