AGRICULTURE
THE STATUS QUO
Nicaragua is a country of 6.7 million people, with roughly 30% living in poverty. In southern rural areas of the country where OIN is most involved, 90% of families depend on agriculture to sustain themselves. These farmers and their families face many challenges: unpredictable local market price fluctuation, outdated and ineffective growing techniques, and predatory loans.
The Response
Through their engagement with OIN, rural Nicaraguan farmers are trained on agricultural best practices such as the globally recognized National Organic Program (NOP) certification. Certified organic cassava is purchased for 35% higher than conventional prices, and farmers are empowered to pursue holistic and regenerative growing practices. Simultaneously, OIN is committed to providing farmers access to market through its distribution partner, Prospera Foods Inc. Opportunity International Nicaragua is the parent company of Prospera, a B corporation designed to provide smallholder farmers with access to global markets.
OUR PROGRAM
The OIN agricultural program works in three key areas to raise the annual income of our partner farmers:
1 | Technical Assistance
Farmers are grouped into small nuclei where they work together to share services such as tractors, seeds, and fertilizers. Through these small groups we supply support services such as high yielding seed varieties, best agronomy and planting techniques, and training on best practices and certifications in organic and regenerative agriculture.
2 | Access to Financing
It’s often challenging or impossible for rural farmers to receive a loan in Nicaragua. Our beneficial financing opportunities grant smallholder farmers the money they need to plant crops, implement best practices in agriculture, and receive the highest return on their investment.
3 | Access to Market
Our processing plant is designed to give rural farmers access to global markets, particularly the U.S. market, and the benefit of a guaranteed, stable buyer for the entirety of their cassava yield. Good pricing along with quick and reliable payment give farmers and their families the assurance of a steady income. The processing plant focuses on cassava flour and cassava starch in what is a rapidly-growing U.S. market. All plants and products are certified through: FDA, SQF, Gluten Free, Kosher, Non GMO, NOP, HACCP-IPSA, and BMP-IPSA.
