Poorest Nicaraguans Start Sustainable Businesses

Summary

In the poorest rural communities of Nicaragua, farmers receive seed capital and business training to launch environmentally sustainable businesses; they become effective guardians of the environment

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Nicaragua is the second poorest nation in this hemisphere, with 65% of the population living below the poverty line. The greatest need is among the rural poor, where dry terrain and stagnant markets make the options limited. Through our local organization, Sustainable Harvest International, Trickle Up provides communities with 1 to 3 years of training and monitoring in cost-effective, innovative organic farming techniques.

How will this project solve this problem?

Poor farmers receive $100 in seed capital, and are trained in organic, sustainable approaches to agriculture so they can grow healthy food, increase their yield, use biogas generators, increase income for their family, and protect the environment.

Potential Long Term Impact

Over 90% of clients report their business continues one year later. This program provides seed capital, and the skills and confidence that transform people's capacity to generate income for their family, improving the life of 5 to 7 family members.

Project Message

The communities in the Kucra River are so isolated, our presence there makes a big difference for the quality of life of these people. Our program there is a great enterprise itself!
- Byron Flores, Program Officer for the Americas

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources