USAID/Nicaragua: Aid from the government of the United States for an agricultural education program

Aid from the government of the United States for an agricultural education program

Photo: Through USAID’s program with Michigan State University, adolescents with a history of drug addiction and delinquency are n receiving training in the production, processing, and marketing of fruits and vegetables for local and regional markets With close collaboration between Nicaragua’s National Police and the Embassy of the United States of America, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing technical and financial support to the Fenix Foundation’s adolescent rehabilitation farm. Through USAID’s program with Michigan State University, adolescents with a history of drug addiction and delinquency are n receiving training in the production, processing, and marketing of fruits and vegetables for local and regional markets.

Currently, 50 youths participate in the agricultural training programs.

USAID granted $34,815 in financing for construction of a training and packing center, and materials, tools, and an irrigation system for the farm. It is hoped that the project may become self-sustainable in the future through the sale of its products and thus increase the number of adolescents benefiting.

In ten months, the center has become a totally operational farm, successfully training adolescents in agricultural and horticultural production as a rehabilitation activity with excellent results. It is selling its production in the local market. At the same time, Phoenix has formalized an agreement with National Police shops whereby it will become a permanent supplier of fruits and vegetables.