Enrique, a father to six daughters, was struggling to provide for his family as he tried farming staple crops like corn and sorghum. When he was invited to join CEPAD’s Sustainable Agriculture Program, Enrique learned new and organic farming techniques, which has allowed his farm to flourish.

“As a small farmer, we were using our own techniques without realizing what we were doing. We only used chemical products for insecticides, and after each harvest, we burned the leftover stalks to clean the land, which also burned our topsoil and all the nutrients. When the dry season came, the wind blew away even more of the soil, eroding it.”

Attending workshops on soil and water conservation, crop diversification, and making organic compost and insecticides, Enrique noticed a big change in his farm and in his family’s diet.

“We are in the dry corridor and border Honduras, and we couldn’t farm other crops using the old techniques we used. With the new techniques we learned from CEPAD, we are able to grow a variety of crops and maximize our water use through water reservoirs and drip irrigation.”

Enrique is so excited about his new farm and wants others in his community to have the same opportunities as him.

“I’ve been able to convince other farmers to use the new techniques by showing them my results. Now there are other people who are also growing plantains, pineapples, carrots, and more; all things we didn’t grow before. I now feel knowledgeable and empowered by what I’ve learned. I’m committed now more than ever to use the new techniques to help other farmers.”

Thank YOU for providing Enrique with this new knowledge! To give other farmers the same education, partner with us here.