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Nicaragua CASE STUDY #1 |
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| 4.
The Nicaraguan Children's Fund, in partnership with UNAG (the national association
of farmers and cattle producers) focused on a project to support the developmental
efforts of small farmers and co-ops.
The goal was to improve the productive capacity of the poorest farmers and
farm co-ops in the area by providing agricultural and leadership training,
technical support and small agricultural loans. New community groups were created, and thirty training meetings took place with the 293 members (193 men, 101 women). Participants in the groups selected the coordinators for the credit program. As well, each group now has a coordinator and a vice- coordinator. A central coordinating group of 5 people (3 men, 2 women) was formed. Training was provided on credit management, loan approval, follow-up on the use of the loans. Project policy documents were developed by the committees. |
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| The
local committees were dedicated to the production of basic foodgrains and
milk for local consumption. Participants not only had an increase access
to credit at reasonable rates, but more importantly, were involved in the
planning and development of the program, learned more agricultural skills
from more experienced Nicaraguan farmers, as well as earning increased incomes.
This includes using natural, non-imported fertilizers, composting and planting
different crops on different types of soils. Very small loans were granted to 300 small and medium farmers. (Most loans were under $100 Canadian). And the result? 500 manzanas (hectares) of basic food grains for self-consumption were planted. 100 manzanas of coffee for sale were recuperated. 25 manzanas of alternative crops were planted. 75 cows were producing milk. And 25 pairs of oxen were available for work. (In an area with little or no farm mechanization, oxen are invaluable.) Participants continue to use the skills they have learned. Small loans allow farmers to produce crops for their own consumption, as well as for sale. Families enjoy better nutrition, and more control over their own lives. |
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