Hives of Hope: working together for a better tomorrow
Honduras sits in the middle of Central America, bordered by Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. The country’s economy largely depends on agriculture, including bananas and coffee, making it vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural disasters.
The Global Climate Risk Index ranks Honduras third in the list of countries most affected by extreme weather events, due to its vulnerability to tropical storms, floods, droughts and landslides.
Apart from climate, Honduras faces challenges from drug trafficking, political instability, food insecurity, gender-based violence and economic migration. 60% of the population live in poverty.
Western Honduras is located in the so called “Dry Corridor” a region that is particularly susceptible to climate change and has frequent droughts. The Lempira region is the poorest in Honduras.
A map of Honduras and the surrounding area.
Christian Aid and OCDIH
Christian Aid is working in the Lempira District through OCDIH: The Christian Organization for Integral Development of Honduras. OCDIH works with indigenous communities on a range of small projects including beekeeping, fish farming and coffee production with the aim of combatting the causes of poverty and marginalization.
OCDIH is a faith-based organization and their work is strongly based on a Christian identity and Christian principles.
OCDIH trains women in beekeeping and helps to produce and market the honey. Income is generated through selling honey and this can then be used to support the family, as well as provide education for the children. The project is a cooperative venture, allowing women to support one another, learn about the environment and develop leadership skills.
OCDIH training women in beekeeping in Honduras
Maria and Candida
Maria has three children and runs a small shop from her home. She received two hives two years ago and has now divided them into four. She wants to build up the number of hives to ten and then start selling the honey.
“It was a dream. I wanted to have those beehives, but due to the situation, I couldn't, but thanks to Christian Aid, this dream was a reality.”
Candida has 11 children and 37 grandchildren.
“I haven't been to school a single day in my life… My parents were very, very poor. Too poor. They couldn't put any of their family [in school]. I cannot even read but I am very motivated.”
“First they gave me one [beehive] in one year, then the second one I received in the next year. Out of those I already have four beehives, four beehives!”
“We live peacefully – I used to be very stressed. I was very stressed. Now you can see I'm very happy. It has changed my life a lot.”
These are more than just beehives, they are a means of income, an opportunity, a future. They are hives of hope.
Tearfund Project
The World Development Appeal will also support a Tearfund project in Ethiopia (along with other Christian Aid and Tearfund projects – see ‘Resource Downloads’ for full details), working through MKC (Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association) and TDA (Terepeza Development Association) to develop self-help groups delivering food security and empowerment of women.
Conservation Agriculture is a natural farming method that consistently delivers high returns. It increased the productivity of the land by retaining moisture and improving soil fertility. This year, more than 1700 people will be trained in agricultural practices to help them improve food security, nutritional intake and livelihood development.
The WDA 25 supporting 'Conservation Agriculture', a Tearfund project in Ethiopia.
Due to ongoing work in the General Council to address concerns raised in 2025, the General Assembly has decided that the division of 2025 World Development Appeal contributions shall be as follows: 1. 5% of all contributions to the 2025 World Development appeal will be allocated as normal to the Council for Global Mission, to assist with development work through Partner Churches. 2. That the remainder of all contributions will be divided equally between Christian Aid and Tear Fund, unless the Kirk Session decides in advance that this will go to only one of these agencies - but please note that to comply with charity regulations, any such decision must be clearly communicated to the congregation before contributions are collected. If you have any queries relating to the charity regulation requirements please contact [email protected]
Learn more about the projects being supported this year and explore our resources – including posters, PowerPoint slides, and other materials to help share the 2025 World Development Appeal in your congregation – in the downloads box.
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