Part of my job involves work with a women's group made up of 24 female small-scale producers of subsistence crops like mandioca (also known as manioc or cassava) and corn. I am learning an incredible amount from these farmers in terms of agriculture, and some of them are the most hard-working and generous people I have met thus far in my life. Abundance from the fields (chacras) abounds here in the 200-person community of La Novia, yet nutrition is severely lacking and is apparent from various illnesses ranging from diabetes and high blood pressure to gastrointestinal diseases and afflictions.
Many families have started home gardens to supplement the grains and starches grown in the chacra, but lack the means to actually maintain them and produce vegetables throughout the whole year. A couple problems that hinder maintenance are: the destruction of garden fences from animals like cows or pigs, and harsh weather that includes crop burning from the sun, torrential downpours, and strong winds. The aim is to begin to tackle some of these problems through the eventual purchase of shade cloth to protect existing crops, and metal fencing to prevent wooden structures from breaking and animals from entering.
Current projects underway include comprehensive bio-intensive gardening and permaculture workshops to improve soil, better manage water usage, and utilize organic pest control in conjunction with a local Department of Agriculture extension agent. In addition, nutrition workshops and cooking classes will continue to introduce different ways of food preparation that do not involve excessive meat, fried food, or animal fat - as is typical in a South American diet. Finally, the women's commission has started a savings group that will allow for them to contribute close to 40% of the project cost.
If you are interesting in supporting this project I would be eternally grateful! Follow the link here: Donate
Current projects underway include comprehensive bio-intensive gardening and permaculture workshops to improve soil, better manage water usage, and utilize organic pest control in conjunction with a local Department of Agriculture extension agent. In addition, nutrition workshops and cooking classes will continue to introduce different ways of food preparation that do not involve excessive meat, fried food, or animal fat - as is typical in a South American diet. Finally, the women's commission has started a savings group that will allow for them to contribute close to 40% of the project cost.
If you are interesting in supporting this project I would be eternally grateful! Follow the link here: Donate
