Helping Rural Communities in Nicaragua to Flourish

CLIMATE IMPACTS IN NICARAGUA

"Before CEPAD entered the community, my family and I were in the dark. No organisation had supported us during the life of the community. CEPAD shed light on our situation."  Jefry (Project participant). 

It has been a challenging year for CEPAD. The impacts of Climate Change were evident with the presence of Hurricane Julia and Tropical Storm Bonnie. Although these two climate phenomena occurred in 2022, their effects on Nicaraguan rural communities were still felt throughout 2023, causing significant economic and social damages.

In 2023, CEPAD supported 1345 families with 395 food aids, 47 hygiene kits, and psychosocial support to address the emotional damage caused by natural disasters. Additionally, CEPAD implemented a Rehabilitation and Reconstruction project with a budget of $114,000.00 USD to rehabilitate 87 shelter houses.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD SECURITY

Seven communities underwent training through three Workshops and three Experience Exchanges on:

• Production of organic fertiliser (compost, incorporation of crop residues, and Bocashi).
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Crop Diversification.

This initiative brings various benefits to the health and environment of the communities. By producing their fertilisers and insecticides from recycled agricultural materials, production costs are reduced, and soil and water pollution are minimised, leading to the consumption of healthier food.

With crop diversification techniques, there is better utilisation of plot area, improved water usage (water harvesting, drip irrigation), and enhanced pest and disease management, resulting in increased production and food sustainability. By cultivating fruits, roots, vegetables, and leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals, communities achieve a better diet.

"We now have a better diet, producing and consuming fruits, roots, and vegetables." - Jefry (Project participant).

Furthermore, 35 women with Family Gardens from the seven communities underwent training through three workshops and three experience exchanges on various topics related to food and nutrition, vegetable production, and food security.

"Before CEPAD came with this programme, my family's diet was challenging. As a single mother with three sons, I had no home or job. CEPAD's offer was a blessing, and I thanked God for opening a door for my family." - Isabel (Project Participant).

Thanks to your donation, we were able to support Nicaraguan rural communities through CEPAD's work. We will continue spreading seeds of hope in this region with your help.

Today we're delighted to share a story from Nicaragua. 

Nohemi is a 26 year old single mother, with two children aged 7 and nearly 2. She lives in Teustepe, in one of the seven villages currently part of our 5 year community development programme with CEPAD. 

She is part of CEPAD’s family garden women’s group, where women are supported to cultivate the small areas of land next to their houses, to feed their families and make a small profit by selling surplus. 

Nohemi shares: 

“I have received six training workshops and 3 experience exchanges so far, as well as receiving fruit plants, and seeds for fruits and vegetables and trees. I’ve also received health kits, food supplies, and a water filter. We also received training in first aid so now I know how to attend to people in an emergency. 

Before CEPAD entered our community I did not know anything about cultivating a family garden, but now I know this means I can guarantee the food of my family, as well as learning to live for the future. I have learned to live and value myself as a woman, I’ve learned to care for and preserve the soil, and I am more organized, as a woman producer. I’ve shared what I have learned with my family, as well as with neighbouring women in my community. 

I’ve learned to grow and eat vegetables I didn’t know or hadn’t even seen before. My whole community is being trained because we are sharing what we have learned. I can help guide my community on paths of progress; I make decisions together for my community now that I’ve been trained in community development projects. 

The community was without water, without food, before CEPAD came in. They provide what is necessary at the right time. Training, grounded in reality, and without expecting anything in return. They came to give us food, water and above all love with their accompaniment, and their words of encouragement when we had no one to support us.” 

Thank you for partnering with Amos Trust to support more women like Nohemi in rural communities in Nicaragua.