Empowering women through vegetable cultivation in Nicaragua

Project Background

The northern region of Nicaragua produces 60% of the nation’s food crops. However, women farmers face higher challenges to access agricultural markets as a result of gender inequality leading to reduced access to farming resources and land ownership.

Secondly, drought and increased rains as a result of climate change have led to crop loss and stagnant yields of key food crops leading to increased food insecurity and reduced income for farming families.

Since 2020, Sacacli has supported women producers through the development of “Women empowerment projects” aimed at promoting income diversification, financial and management capacity building.

Launched in April 2025, this project is supporting 40 women producers to produce cherry tomatoes and chilli peppers for additional income. This project was designed by Sacaclí’s Technical Assistance Department, following an assessment of market demand and value, ensuring its commercial viability.

Vegetables are being grown using semi-hydroponic methods. This method is not dependent on rainfall or fertile land, provides greater resistance to pests and disease, and allows for year-round production. Two greenhouses have been constructed and fitted with growing beds filled with an organic substrate which is longer lasting than regular soil and fitted with drip irrigation systems.

PROJECT AIMS

1. Forty women will establish a crop production enterprise providing them with a sustainable, year-round income  

2. The monthly income of the farmers will increase by 50% enabling them to better meet the needs of their household  

3. 6,000 kg of chilli peppers and 9,000 kg of cherry tomatoes will be produced in the first 12 months of production increasing local availability of fresh produce  

4. 60 women will gain skills in basic financial education and business management and will improve the management of their enterprise leading to increased profitability and reinvestment  

Image: TBA

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