Matilde, a farmer in rural Nicaragua, shares some of the struggles he faced using traditional agricultural techniques and how CEPAD’s Sustainable Agriculture Farming Program changed that.

“Before CEPAD, it was really difficult to farm. The chemical products I used before were really expensive. They used to be C700 ($20) but increased to C2,000 ($55). We soon didn’t have good enough harvests to purchase these products. It was very discouraging, but when CEPAD started the workshops, we learned how to make our own organic compost and insecticides, which are fundamental in agriculture.”

Matilde started seeing the fruit of his labor and noticed many changes, in his family, community, and in himself.

“My wife didn’t like helping me on the farm before because of the chemical products we used; they gave her headaches and skin rashes. But now she is able to help me.

“There’s more fellowship between all the families. Before, I didn’t leave my farm much, just to buy what we needed for the home or go to church. Now, I go visit my friends and even travel to other communities. There’s more camaraderie.”

Having an organic farm has opened up a whole new way of life for Matilde. Thank YOU for giving him and his family a new start. To provide other families with the same opportunity, partner with us here.