Villagers of San Miguel Tepezontes, on the shores of Lake Ilopango in El Salvador, will have a ready market for the tilapia they produce thanks to a USAID Farmer to Farmer volunteer. Thomas Hyme from Louisiana traveled to El Salvador on a USAID Farmer to Farmer assignment to provide fish farmers with assistance.

Hymel worked with a number of organizations including ASCODEPNA, a cooperative participating in a small-scale aquaculture training program. After discussing strategies with ASCODEPNA on how to add value to their tilapia production, Hymel encouraged the farmers to submit a proposal for private funding to build a restaurant and fish market in their village. Upon his return to Louisiana, Hymel presented the proposal to a local source who funded the project by supplying building materials needed for the cooperative members to begin construction.

Completed and operational by August 2003, the restaurant was the first ever built in the village. Hymel visited the restaurant “Brisas del Lago,” named after the local lake, and was pleased to see the results. Many patrons come from nearby San Salvador to enjoy the mild temperatures of San Miguel Tepezontes and visit the restaurant known for excellent food and hospitality. ASCODEPNA members now are able to market a portion of their product directly through the restaurant which means more profits for all.