Jayro, a farmer in rural Nicaragua, shares about his experience in CEPAD’s Sustainable Agriculture Program and the changes he has seen.

“Before joining the program, I worked my land with my wife. We had corn and beans and seven cows. We used traditional farming methods. After each harvest, we burned or cleared the land so that nothing was left. We thought it would avoid any plagues; we didn’t know it was bad. But after CEPAD came, they showed us new techniques, like taking the crop leftovers and mixing it into compost, helping to keep the soil humid. With the new techniques we use, we’ve seen better results.

“We use water capturing systems to hold 3,500 liters of water. With my income from the previous harvest, I bought an electric pump, which helps me water my farm in the dry season.

“My biggest satisfaction is that we’re eating diverse foods: pepper, tomato, radish, squash, cucumber, watermelon, carrots, corn, yucca, pineapple, lemon, and oranges. Our family diet has improved.”

All of these changes are only made possible due to generous donors like YOU. Thank YOU for providing Jayro with the seeds and tools to lift his family out of poverty. To provide other farmers with the same materials, partner with us here.