Nicaragua Matagalpa
$50,000 needed of $100,000
Implementing Organization
World Renew
Program Summary
The Nicaragua Matagalpa program works with communities in the northern mountains of the country. Here, weather patterns are changing quickly and farmers are struggling to adapt. Drought has increased, delaying planting dates. Rains needed during critical times in plant development are no longer predictable.
This program works to increase the capacity of farmers to implement climate change resilient agricultural practices. New farming techniques are tested and promoted through farmer field schools. Trainings cover topics such as integrated pest management, soil fertility practices, crop diversification, and the use and storage of seeds. Recognizing the interconnectedness of food security and health, the program promotes strategies to improve community nutritional education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as reinforcing culinary skills. The program also works to strengthen community leadership and Savings and Internal Lending Communities.
Blanca's Story - Nicaragua Matagalpa
Success Stories
Mobilizing for a Better Community
Cristóbal learned about the many offerings of local partner Centro Inter Eclesial de Estudios Tecnologicos y Sociales (CIEETS) from a neighbor. Since then, all the training he’s received has made him busier, more successful as a farmer and more involved in community leadership and development.
He lives with his wife and daughter on a tiny plot of rented land – less than an acre – where they focus mainly on growing staple crops and keeping a vegetable garden. Through CIEETS he’s participated in the hands-on Farmer Field School (FFS), joined a local savings and lending group, and studied applying Biblical principles to community development and leadership. He’s a member and vice-director of an area cooperative that collects the coffee and staple grains of local growers for sale.
Cristóbal says, “The FFS gives me the opportunity to grow as a person, to learn new things, and to practice an agriculture more suited to the times we live in. Analyzing planting calendars, for example, is critical to our success in producing crops. We’ve received plantain, cassava, and corn seedlings as a way to diversify our farms and make us less susceptible to losing everything in the case of a disaster. And I’ve been involved in a beekeeping initiative.”
As a member of his community, he hopes to be useful to others, to encourage neighbors to mobilize for community betterment, to support leaders in seeking solutions to challenges and managing the needs of the community and the cooperative.
“CIEETS is contributing to our development in a fundamental way, both individually and communally,” says Cristóbal.
Nicaragua Matagalpa Program
Led by World Renew and Local Partner Centro Inter Eclesial de Estudios Tecnologicos y Sociales (CIEETS)