Empower Farmers in Nicaragua

We are the Ivics and the Duartes, two families brought together by the same heart and passion to empower farmers in Boaco and Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

Our connection to Nicaragua is through the Duarte family, a family of missionaries from Boaco. The Duartes have led mission trips to Latin America for over nine years and have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by locals, particularly in Nicaragua.


CIVIL UNREST AND UPRISING IN 2018

Last year, a deadly violence gripped Nicaragua. Many feared the country was closer to total economic chaos and a new civil war than ever before. With hundreds of thousands people taking to the streets to protest against the government, everyday life of Nicaraguan families had been severely disrupted—many families are still recovering from the civil unrest that plagued the nation in last Spring. While the political climate has calmed, Nicaragua continues to remain one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. 


A CHANCE AT A NEW BEGINNING

The agricultural opportunities that exist in this country are endless and its benefits to the livelihood of local families are infinite!

For over four years, we've been working alongside Nicaraguan farmers to establish two farmlands. 

Our objectives:

1) To provide equipment for faster cultivation
2) To improve the main roads that connect homes
3) To improve the water drinking system
4) To provide a stable income to farmers that will feed the community for generations to come


HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We are asking for your support to empower farmers in Boaco and Matagalpa to build their capacity to sustain their families.



Large crop potential remains underdeveloped. These untouched lands are a key source for increasing the livelihood of the community as a whole. Pictured above is the current state of our farms. While there is much work to be done in preparing the land for agriculture, promoting crop growth is easy to do considering the quality of the soil.


Food insecurity is a constant threat for families. We are currently growing and selling coffee (as pictured above), beans, crops, vegetables, and fruits. Crop diversification is key to giving farmers a stable income. 


Manual labour delays the cultivation and preparation of the farms. Our farmers are resorting to basic farming methods via cattle and heavy, intensive labour to prepare the land for farming. There is an urgency for machinery and equipment that will increase the efficiency of farmers and improve overall crop yield.


The average monthly income of a farmer is 3,720 Nicaraguan Córdoba or $152 CAD per month, which is about $6 per day/79 cents per hour. Your contribution will not only go towards supplying farmers with an income, but also towards providing them with food, clothing, and school supplies (for their children). Pictured above is one of our farmers who received clothing donated by generous Canadians.


Trails and rural roads that connect families are in bad condition. Unpaved trails and roads impedes the efficiency of farmers and other locals. Improving the accessibility to these main roads will contribute to better trafficability and mobilization.


Nicaragua is very susceptible to flash floods and droughts. Improving and regulating the existing water system on the farms is essential to the well-being of the farmers and their families. With your support, we can provide these communities with a dependable drinking water system.


All contributions are greatly appreciated—monetary or otherwise! We are always looking for clothes, children's toys, and small goods to donate to farmers and their families.

Thank you,
The Ivics and the Duartes