Nicaragua

As of 2013, we started working with cocoa cooperatives and vegetable farmer cooperatives. Our coffee programme only started to take shape in 2017. This was also when we started adopting, for the first time in our organisation’s history, an integrated landscape approach, in the area around Lake Apanás. Currently, we run our Cocoa & coffee programme, and our Good Food for Cities programme in Matagalpa and around Lake Apanás.

Sustainable Cocoa and Coffee programme highlights for 2023

Rikolto's 'Unlocking Youth Power' project in Nicaragua empowers young cocoa farmers through the development of their business and social skills. In partnership with the La Campesina cooperative and the Colruyt Group, a Belgian retailer, we have enabled 18 young people to complete a diploma course in agroforestry and cocoa production at the National University of Honduras. These graduates then trained a further 144 young people in agroforestry and organic fertiliser production. The project also provided business training to 27 participants (including 12 women). Through their work, these young producers contributed to deliver 12.5 tonnes of dry cocoa beans to Puratos.

Good Food for Cities programme highlights for 2023

We facilitate two multisectoral groups to promote sustainable and agroecological food production around Lake Apanás and the Dariense mountains. 36 farm plans for sustainable management were implemented using TAPE (Agro-Ecological Performance Tool) and GIS (Geographical Information Systems). We also supported establishing agroforestry systems to reduce the environmental impact of growing coffee in the area. Farmers received training on bio-controls and bio-stimulants. In parallel, Rikolto supported the setup of 15 bio-factories or organic fermentation facilities. By providing their products, they directly reach 160 families, and indirectly 120 families more.