Planting Hope in Dry Soil

In northern Nicaragua, where rainfall is limited and land is often scarce, farming is a way of life. Most families grow just enough corn, beans, and vegetables to get by. But poor soil, shifting weather, and limited resources make it difficult to improve yields or build stability.

That’s where Self-Help International comes in.

Over the past two years, our Agriculture Program has expanded in this region—providing training, technical support, quality seed, and small loans to farmers ready to improve their livelihoods. One of those farmers is Ramón.

Before partnering with SHI, Ramón farmed a traditional corn variety and struggled to produce enough for his family. For many years, he had to buy extra food, work other jobs, or rent out his land just to make ends meet.

That changed when Ramón joined an SHI training session in his community. He received INTA-Nutrader seed corn, a small loan, and personalized support. With training and ongoing support from SHI, Ramón embraced new planting methods—and it paid off. Ramón yielded over 4,000 pounds of healthy corn—double his usual harvest. Ramón was able to set aside enough for his family and livestock. He also had enough surplus to sell to repay his loan to SHI.

Inspired by his success, Ramón encouraged his uncle and nephew to join the SHI program and even donated seeds to three more neighboring farmers—spreading the opportunity for food security and independence.

This is the power of your support.

Self-Help’s Agriculture Program is about more than crops—it’s about building food security, confidence, and opportunity. And for just $250, you can provide training and support for more farmers like Ramón.

Hope may begin with a single seed—but with your help and Ramón’s, it spreads.

Help us keep planting hope in dry soil.

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