Nicaragua Conquista Nandaime
$74,250 needed of $125,000
Implementing Organization
World Renew
Program Summary
The municipality of Conquista is located in the Pacific Dry Corridor of Nicaragua. Temperatures in this region have steadily increased and drought conditions have become more prevalent. This program is working to help communities adapt by promoting farming techniques that are better suited for the increasingly dry climate. Trainings are focused on “lead farmers” that learn and use the new techniques in their own farms and then provide training to their neighbors on the techniques. Families also participate in trainings on community water management, water catchment techniques, and distribution systems. The program provides additional training for savings groups and maternal and newborn child health promotion.
Cristian's Story - Nicaragua Conquista Nandaime Program
Success Stories
A Childhood Interest Becomes a Passion
The two fruit trees in Desiré’s otherwise-barren yard used to struggle to survive for lack of irrigation. Today they have lots of company in what practically feels like a miniature Eden, now that she’s become proficient in climate-smart agriculture.
Desiré’s grandmother taught her a love for growing things, so she was no stranger to agriculture. But water scarcity in the town where she met Nardo, her husband, meant that she didn’t have a lot of success. The agricultural promoter of the program run by local partner Fundación San Lucas invited her to join a farmer field school in 2020. There, both men and women receive training in a variety of conservation agriculture techniques suitable for the climate.
“Thanks to that training,” says Desiré, “I’ve learned to improve the soil using natural fertilizers like manure, ash, and crop residue. This practice has significantly enhanced my soil quality. Now, I grow a wide variety of plants in my yard, including mango, citrus, papaya, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal plants. I’ve also learned to reuse water from washing clothes to irrigate the plants, which has helped me keep them healthy despite water shortages.”
She says one of the greatest benefits of participating in the field school is having access to fresh, healthy food directly from her garden. Her two young children enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables she grows. She doesn’t sell her produce but shares part of her harvests with her neighbors and family, strengthening community bonds. She has, however, earned extra income from selling flowers.
“My dream is to continue expanding my garden, get a complete irrigation system, and maintain my plants and flowers year-round,” she says. “The field school has given me hope for a more sustainable future for my family and community.”
Nicaragua Conquista Nandaime Program
Led by World Renew and local partner Fundación San Lucas