What exactly are we doing?
This
project involves the cultivation of staple foods in combination with
Marango (Moringa oleifera) and Madero Negro (Glicerridium sepium) on an
area of 45 manzanas (about 30 ha). Until now 110 families are
participating in this project. The staple foods rice, beans, maize and sorghum are the basis for the diet for the rural families in Nicaragua.
The combination of crops with the Marango and Madero Negro directly benefits the environment by avoiding a monoculture. ACDIR has trained consultants in the villages who visit the families for a guiding them with the fieldwork and for giving them individual advices. With training local consultants we hope the people will get independent from the project after a while and continue this way of cultivation without the help of ACDIR technicians. There are 110 families who have sown the marango and madero negro trees and a few of these families have already tried to sow field crops between the rows of trees. ACDIR hopes that other families interested in this innovative project will follow their example and that other organizations are starting to see the use of these trees for the rural families. |
Which effects does this way of cultivation have exactly?
This cultivation method brings the farmers many advantages. They can now harvest something at any time of the year, both during rainy season and dry season, so they are not dependent on one good harvest anymore. This reduces the risk of loss during times of droughts and floods.
The marangoseeds are harvested in the dry season from January to April, while the field crops are harvested during the rainy season. Traditionally, the dry season was a time in which the country gave no products, while now the marangoseeds can be harvested, which can be processed into oil, concentrates and natural remedies. Additional benefits for the families.
Especially for women, this project is fundamental because it reduces the risk of hunger and gives additional sources of income. The additional income is needed for expenditures for education, health and land registration, which gives access to credits. From the low-income rural families normally spend about 64% of their money for food. This percentage is rapidly reduces in the families that participate in this project.
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