Help Nicaragua's Poor Climb out of Poverty

In Nicaragua, you help communities put their assets to work

The Nicaragua Community Economic Development project combines the power of financial products for microentrepreneurs with support for skill building, job creation and small business development. The community economic development approach grows income and creates jobs in Nicaragua through several community-level interventions. Opportunity develops programs that capitalize on the immense potential of Nicaraguans to become investors in their own community projects and development. Highlights from the last six months are outlined below.  

• Farmer training and support is provided through the Agriculture program by trained agronomists to assist in improved technologies for better income as well as improved stewardship of assets and farm land.
  • To date more than 682 farmers have received training. 
  • The yucca processing plant employs 66 workers, more during peak season.
  • 300 yucca farmers increase income by selling to the processing plant.
  • Net income has increased from 20% to 47% per acre planted with assistance.
  • In 2012, clients reported yields 23% to 40% higher than the national average.
  • 787 farmers have directly benefited from the program.

• The Emprenedora Technical High School is maintaining a100% student retention through the first school year. This is a critical indicator, as only 30% of Nicaraguan children who start school graduate, and only 10% achieve this in rural areas. The school is in its infancy, but provides an economical alternative for students and their families for a cutting edge and leading educational experience. 
  • 20 parents are actively involved as volunteers in the school’s first year of operation.
  • 58 students attended the first year of school with two classes of 7^th graders.

• Ojala and NicaWorks Artisan programs focus on supporting the development and commercialization of traditional artisans through the organization and sharing of ideas and practices as well as increasing export potential for some artisans.   
  • 15 artisans are selling their product via Ojala  as of July 2012.
  • As of July 2012, Ojala  sales are $84,490 since inception.
  • 260 clients benefited from the NicaWorks program through 2010, 303 beneficiaries were supported in 2011 and 293 benefited by the NicaWorks artisan program in 2012 to date.

• The Community Infrastructure projects are improving living conditions, reducing costs and providing opportunities for greater community good. Significant progress to date has been achieved to confirm that the project is focused and achieving this goal. 
  • As of July 2012, 160 clients have been using green technologies including methane gas.
  • Six community projects and six church projects have been organized by communities.
  • 20 community libraries have been developed with over 10,000 books placed in the libraries.
  • 5,906 people are directly benefitting from these community projects.