Gringa en Nica: Agro-Biz Workshops and Fair

After vacation I had to go back to Granada for the Agriculture-Business Workshop, so Freddy, Byron and I took the 6am bus to Managua and were picked up by a Peace Corps contracted bus to take us directly to Granada. It's so nice when I don't have to take a taxi!

We had 2 days of workshops and then a exposition fair which showed some of the newest Agriculture technology, introduced us to Micro-finance institutions and was a great time in general to network around.

I think Freddy and Byron got something out of the workshops, for example they are excited to start up a community bank and maybe even construct a biodigestor in Cusmapa. Also, they want to make a barrel oven to harvest smoke fertilizer...I'm not sure how that works yet but I'll get back to you on it.

Why did we have the workshop? Well, since food security is a huge topic right now, and the next Business Group that is coming in May will also be accompained by the new Agriculture Group...PC Nicaragua is trying to make stronger connections with the Ag and Biz sectors. Smart! Also, it was a great time to share ideas within the two sectors and across the different departments (areas). Networking is never a waste of time in my book!

Speaking of Agro-Biz, hopefully I will be working with another counterpart to help a coffee coorperative in Las Sabanas to write their business plan and help them get business basics down. More to come on that subject after Semana Santa (Holy Week, aka Vacation!)

Biowaste solutions: a washer, toliet, and biodigestor

This biodigestor uses cow poo and water to create methane gas to power a cooktop.

Coworkers Freddy and Byron attended the event with me in Granada and Managua. I think they learned something from it!

Solar ovens, I remember making these in frosh tech. The bag is on of those Reynolds oven bags.

Freddy and Byron listen to the solar oven explaination.

A livestock grain mixer, it mixes vitamins and whatever grain the farmers use. In my area, most livestock don't receive feed and are left to graze on the few blades of grass left during the dry season. The attitude: "well, they'll just get fat again during the rainy season"

A molido, or mill, is used to grind grains or corn. I see them most used for grinding corn for tamales and pinol.

Another molido, I wasn't sure why these were better than the others I've seen. Supposedly made of better quality materials...whatev...

Freddy checking out the agriculture equipment.

Coffee toaster, I think they said it cost around $1,000 (U.S. Dollars).

Water pumps or "bombas", these wouldn't work in my area because we don't have enough river water to go around. Other parts of the country can utilize these for most of the year.

This bomba can irrigate up to 4 manzanas (I think that's what I heard), which is 12 acres I think?

The water, supplied by a river or stream, acts as the motor and then it can pump the water to the fields.

Lindsey sells her community's (Cinco Pinos) jams and canned veggies.

Brie and her counterpart sell beeswax candles, from the department of León.

Lindsay checks out the coffee products from San Rafael del Norte, where another member from our group Patrick lives. In the background is his counterpart.

Patrick's counterparts and their coffee.

This coffee project is sponsored by USAID (United States Agency for International Development), whose signs can be seen everywhere in Nicaragua.

My boss Georgia makes some purchases and then called me "pinche" (cheap) because I didn't buy anything...I had no money left from my vacation in Corn Island and Granada!

Solar panel made by a women's group in Nueva Segovia. Nikki works with them.

The Peace Corps table presenting the different programs that Peace Corps Nicaragua offers.

Mission statement of Peace Corps Nicaragua.

Water filters, only $21 that can rid Nicaraguans' drinking water of parasites, amoebas, worms, and other harmful external agents in the water supply.

The water is filtered through a clay pot and presto, cleaner and healthier drinking water. We have these in the Fabretto houses.

Various water supply parts.

Another molido...

Pump demonstration with sprinkler.

The Eco-Fogon, a cooktop that uses less wood to make heat and in addition has a chimney to pass harmful smoke out of the house. ($99)

Notice it's a barrel with metal legs and an iron top.

Another Eco-Fogon, also uses less wood and it multiuseful with it's flat service instead of having 2 holes to put pots or pans.

Inside are bricks and sand, it helps keep the heat in.

The Eco-Fogon poster which shows the various styles.

They also make better ovens for baking!

Shows their efforts to reforest Nicaragua since about 70% of the population still uses wood as a cooking fuel.

Also at the fair were Micro-Finance organizations; Freddy, Byron and I used this opportunity to find out how we could help our student groups get more funding/loans.