Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. is currently managing a poultry project in Nicaragua called
Gallinas de Patio, or backyard chickens. Drawing upon a network of over 75 Learning Centers that operate within the country, the project provides material and technical assistance to Nicaraguan families, enabling them to successfully raise and sustain a flock of chickens and providing a renewable source of dietary protein.
Gallinas de Patio will produce results that positively impact individual Nicaraguan families as well as their local economy. In addition to providing a nutritional complement to their diets, the project is a practical way to help educate families and children about business management, agriculture, animal husbandry, and marketing.
Once the flocks have been established, families will receive training from volunteers on how to best manage their birds for optimal production. In order to ensure that participating families will have access to a renewable resource for years to come, volunteers emphasize the importance of:
- accurate record keeping;
- experimentation;
- innovation.
Each family demonstrates their commitment to the project by:
- building their own chicken coop;
- participating in training;
- promoting the sustainability of the project by providing at least six hens and one rooster to a neighboring family.
How You Can Help
Nominal income and transportation difficulties make it impossible for many Nicaraguan families to obtain fresh eggs and meat. W/NP has already raised the initial funds to provide small flocks of chickens to families in several Nicaraguan communities. We need your support to ensure that the project continues and grows.
Your contribution to the project will help provide Nicaraguan families with:
- healthy roosters and hens;
- vaccinations for the birds;
- training and support for their continued care;
- a Spanish-language guide, "How to Raise Chickens;"
- enough feed to ensure several weeks of healthy diet for the birds.
You may give the gift of sustenance for a holiday or in memory or honor of an individual, group, or organization. Honorees or their families can be notified of the donation. The
Gallinas de Patio Poultry Project will be a continued success with your help.
