Support Sustainability for Nicaraguan Farmers

Agros exists to restore hope and opportunity to the world’s poor. 

Our mission is to see rural poor families own agricultural land, attain economic-self sufficiency, realize their God-given potential, and pass on to future generations the values and resources that enable them to flourish.   

Meet Don Pablo: El Edén Community Member 

Community member Don Pablo is known for being humble, participatory and eager to work. He and his wife have 12 children and 35 grandchildren. Before coming to El Edén, Don Pablo farmed seasonally for others and worked in a coffee mill, but he struggled to be able to provide for his family.

Don Pablo learned about Agros through his son-in-law who knew of people who were organizing the village.  He began to grow excited about the possibility of owning his own land and living in the same community with some of his grown children.  He knew that by working together, they could help support each other.  He became connected with Agros, and while his wife was hesitant at first to move to El Edén, they decided that this would be the best decision for the family.  When they arrived in El Edén, Pablo was amazed with the quality of the land that allowed him to grow a multitude of crops. He now owns 10 acres, including 5 acres of coffee, 2 acres of vegetables, and another 3 acres of basic grains. 

He has worked hard, been successful, and was able to pay off his land early. “There is money when you work hard,” shared Don Pablo. His goals are to continue working in agriculture, manage his coffee farm, and partner with his children in the family business.”  Pablo is confident in his family’s future, and says that, “When my health deteriorates, my children can take over the care of my land.” His legacy will continue through the land that his children will inherit. Additionally, his wife has helped support the family through raising chickens and making tamales. They are so grateful to Agros for the new life that they have.

Village Highlights in El Edén, Nicaragua

Community Organization

The seven-member board was elected in a community assembly. The board encouraged the community to continue to commit to working on values such as unity, responsibility and participation. The community also worked together on developing plans for economic activities for the new fiscal year.

Economic Development

Seven farmers are now growing peppers with two new partners planning to join them. 20,000 natalia, 16,000 jalapeño, and 36,000 chiltoma pepper plans have been planted. 14 farmers are growing 17 acres of passion fruit. An additional 8 acres of passion fruit has recently been planted bringing the total to nearly 25 acres. 39 acres of corn and 14 acres of beans were planted for consumption and for sale. The village continues to manage 69 acres of coffee including 26 acres in development and 43 almost ready for harvesting. Partners continue to sell their yields to selected markets.

Health & Community Well-being

Thirteen families participated in parenting classes and 27 children were enrolled in elementary school.

The revolving medicine center is functioning at 100% and the income generated by the medicines sold has been used to continue funding the center, allowing the availability of medicines at more of an affordable price for the community.  Twenty-three families have actively become part of growth groups, where they have been encouraged to develop their life plans. 

Home visits were undertaken to introduce Agros’ health and wellbeing staff to the community members. The community health promoter has been developing skills and knowledge through workshops that will allow her to do her job in the community more effectively.

Follow Agros on Twitter @AgrosIntl, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AgrosIntl to get day-to-day village updates and more info from the field.   

Links:

• El Eden, Nicaragua Official Webpage
• Agros International Official Webpage