Nicaragua has a tropical climate suited to agriculture. Although poverty levels are falling, about 25% of Nicaraguans continue to live in poverty and are largely concentrated in rural, agricultural areas.
Heifer International began work in Nicaragua in 2000. Our work focuses on building and strengthening farmer-owned agribusinesses in the honey, dairy, cashew, pork, poultry, beans, corn, coffee and cocoa, value chains.
We support local farmers to adapt to climate change, establishing inclusive business models, and work to build strong communities where women and youth take the lead. Our partners include local organizations, cooperatives, farming associations, private sector entities, universities, investment of center, and other NGOs.
471,000
families
supported
by our work.
Through beekeeping projects, we have supported women in communities to generate their own income and produce nutritious food for their families. We have also helped set up 111 seed banks where seeds are stored for upcoming farming seasons. This helps secure their food supply while improving nutrition and incomes.
Our SANSECO II project works with 4,500 families in the dry corridor to plant drought-resistant crops and expand irrigation. Women attend farmer field schools to learn new cultivation techniques and technologies.
Across all of the cooperatives we work with, 80% of leaders are women, who are changing the power dynamics within their homes and communities by generating their own sources of income.
Heifer International invests in farmers and business owners around the world, because we know having a secure source of income can be truly transformational for families and their communities. With support from our in-country teams, project participants build sustainable businesses to close the living income gap.
Living Income is the amount of money each person in a household needs per day to live a dignified life.
In Nicaragua, we are currently using US$2.76 Estelí and US$2.79 in Matagalpa.