World Bank, Japan, El Salvador Launch $2.76M Project to Boost Market Access and Food Security

The initiative, set to benefit 6,250 farming families, will be executed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) of El Salvador.

The World Bank, Japan, and El Salvador have joined forces on a transformative project aimed at enhancing market access, food security, and dietary diversity in the El Bálsamo mountain range of La Libertad department. The initiative, set to benefit 6,250 farming families, will be executed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) of El Salvador.

Yoshitaka Hoshino, Japan's Ambassador to El Salvador, highlighted the longstanding collaboration with the World Bank, stating, " 'Leave no one behind' is a motto that has guided our partnership in El Salvador for over two decades. This project supports rural communities by applying new techniques to mitigate climate change effects and improve productive development and marketing of farmers' products."

The project, named Connecting Farming Communities to Coastal Economies in El Bálsamo – Costa Viva, is funded by a US$2.76 million grant from the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) and was approved by the World Bank in May 2024. It aims to link producers of basic grains, fruits, vegetables, and coffee from El Bálsamo to coastal markets, including hotels and restaurants, enhancing the inclusivity, sustainability, and quality of agricultural products.

Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting, "The World Bank is excited to be part of this initiative that will transform food production and marketing in communities facing significant economic and food security challenges. This impactful project will protect our planet and ensure good nutrition for future generations."

The project will connect 1,250 farming families in the districts of Chiltiupán, Comasagua, and Tamanique to markets in La Libertad and Santa Tecla, improving access to fresh, nutritious food and aiding in poverty reduction in these rural areas. It will also enhance food security by improving dietary diversity, sanitation, and hygiene for 5,000 vulnerable households, impacting approximately 25,000 people.

Blain Cerney, Country Representative for Catholic Relief Services in El Salvador, emphasized the role of farmers, including women and young people, in the project's success: "Farmers are crucial for restoring landscapes, advancing agriculture, and building partnerships for better market access. Costa Viva aims to improve livelihoods and create a significant community impact."

The project, scheduled to conclude in December 2027, will finance business plans for farmers adopting climate- and nutrition-smart practices, boosting environmental sustainability, productivity, and family incomes. It will promote productive alliances between farmers and local markets with support from Communal Development Associations.