Family is first. This includes being able to support them. Techno-Links (Technology Links for Improved Access and Incomes) allows 20 agriculture input suppliers in Peru and Nicaragua to better reach 5,000 small farmers, enabling them to increase yields and gain new income opportunities. As a result, their household members - over 20,000 people - will benefit. New technology means farming businesses can grow. Techno-Links creates more sustainable livelihoods for suppliers and farmer families.
Male and female farmers in Peru and Nicaragua are often isolated and marginalized, living in poverty and lacking financial services. Residing in rural areas, farming supply shops are scarce and distant, and travel is costly. With limited access to affordable agricultural supplies - seeds, fertilizers and simple equipment - it's hard for both input suppliers and the small farmers they serve to increase their yields and thus their incomes.
Suppliers of seed, fertilizer and equipment in Peru and Nicaragua submit proposals on how to reach small farmers with new technology. Techno-Links consults promising applicants as they develop business plans and supports them with matching grants. With access to new farming, storage and packaging technology, farmers improve their yields, increase food security for their family and stimulate economic growth in their community because they can better compete in the marketplace.
Over the course of the project, 20 agricultural technology suppliers in Peru and Nicaragua will be awarded matching grants of up to $60,000. By improving access to agricultural technologies, these suppliers can better support more rural farmers in more areas. As a result, over 5,000 farmers can increase their incomes, stimulate economic growth in their community, and bring new hope and prosperity to their families.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
