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Submission: Yvonne Horton, John Preissing, and Edith Méndez Villanueva
As part of their Farmer to Farmer sponsored volunteer work in Nicaragua, Yvonne Horton and John Preissing were asked to conduct a brief case study on the impact of the FTF programs on Las Lagunas, a rural community in Nicaragua. Edith Méndez Villanueva, a Nicaraguan national and recent graduate from CATIE, joined them. To complete this case study, the team opted to utilize the Logic Framework.
The University of Wisconsin - Extension uses the logic model in program planning, implementation, evaluation, and communications. A logic model describes what the program is and will do - the sequence of events that links program investments to results. The UWEX logic model contains six components: the situation, inputs, outputs, outcomes, assumptions, and external factors. These components are analyzed in light of the initiatives in Las Lagunas.
In July 2003, the small team of volunteers visited Las Lagunas. The investigators spoke with one family in their home and with a group of children, women, and men in the school about their experiences with Farmer to Farmer. This is a report of the impact of that relationship.
Situation
Las Lagunas, Nicaragua is situated 600 meters above sea level and about twelve kilometers from Boaco. The last census reports 405 residents residing in 69 homes. Within the community are three churches and a recently built school. The school reaches multi-grades of youth in grades one to four.
The principal crops of this farming community are red beans, corn, coffee, yucca, and a variety of citrus fruits. There is some small animal livestock of chickens and pigs. Horses are used in the area for transportation. There is no electricity in the community, and batteries are used to power the few televisions.
Some environmental factors that influenced the program efforts include the weather, educational level of the residents, and transportation. In the dry season, water is scarce. The village is accessible via relatively rough roads, paved and unpaved.
Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. was the first organization to extend its outreach to this community in 2001. This effort was initiated under the assumption that volunteers can make a difference and that the community of Las Lagunas was receptive and welcomed assistance.
Inputs
The U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, sponsors the W/NP Farmer to Farmer program. Over the past few years, Ronald Blandón, the Farmer to Farmer Coordinator in Nicaragua, brought nine volunteers in eleven visits. The time volunteers spent in the community ranged from one day to two weeks.
Since 2001, the following equipment and supplies have been provided to the community: sewing machines, sewing supplies, bicycles, school supplies, sports equipment, yarn, fabric, chicken wire, vegetable seeds, and clothing.
Outputs
In the two year period of 2001 to 2003, volunteers conducted numerous activities where children, women, and men were all participants. Their one elementary school teacher participated in a number of the activities as well as the sixty youth attending the local school.
Volunteers facilitated sessions in asset mapping and conflict resolution. Residents attended workshops in clothing construction, vegetable gardening, seed storage, pest management, and organic fertilizing. The benefits of an improved stove and ventilation system were the topic of numerous training sessions. Families also learned how to use sports and recreational equipment.
The elementary school teacher received mentoring and training on reaching special needs youth in the community.
Outcomes
The immediate and short-term results of the collaboration between Las Lagunas residents and Farmer to Farmer volunteers were the exchange of learning that occurred. Residents were motivated to try new things and to embrace the outreach from volunteers.
The medium term results demonstrate social action on the part of the residents. Community residents are organizing and working together to achieve more. More children are able to attend school longer because of the availability of uniforms and school supplies. Parents want their children to have additional schooling beyond the primary grades and they are exploring options to accomplish this. Women have formed sewing circles and are constructing clothing for their families. During a conversation with one of the women she commented: "Sewing materials will run out, but the training will last."
The long-term impact of the work of Farmer to Farmer volunteers in Las Lagunas is still being felt. One of the first social impacts is the increased skill level of the schoolteacher. She has been motivated to reach out into the community to make contact with special needs youth that are unable to attend the school due to lack of shoes or uniforms. Women and their families have improved their health conditions as a result of installing stoves that have chimneys which change the direction of the smoke flow. Learning how to use chicken wire to protect gardens has enabled residents to have fresh vegetables for improved health and nutrition.
The introduction of the vegetable garden also has had an impact on the economics of some households. Community youth have taught their parents how to garden at home. Prehistoric carvings are visible in this community. Residents are exploring avenues to market this for tourism and to share their art. Women have explored ways to market their sewing efforts.
During the investigators' visit, they had an opportunity to observe firsthand the civic impact of the Farmer to Farmer program. A community leader and other residents shared the maps that they developed as a result of asset map education. The residents have the ability to verbalize their goals and to share the asset maps that describe their community.
Additional Observations
This case study was prepared as a result of interviews with nine residents over a three hour period. The investigative team found the residents to be positive and pleased about the assistance that they had received and extremely grateful for Ronald Blandón's presence and involvement.
During the group meeting with the residents, two volunteers were present in addition to the investigators. Farmer to Farmer volunteers are passionate about their work and the people of Nicaragua. This degree of commitment brings the volunteers back to the community of Las Lagunas.
Residents expressed an interest and need for training and information in the area of Agribusiness. Specific requests were made for assistance in marketing organic coffee, raising small animals for resale, and the production and marketing of crafts items.
While this visit was brief, it was clear that the Farmer to Farmer program had positively impacted the community. A longer visit and analysis of prior field assignment requests and trip reports from the Las Lagunas area would provide insights for a more in depth analysis.
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