Since July 2010, SHI-Nicaragua participants have planted more than 12,000 trees, mostly in areas previously deforested for pasture. As participants learn about agrosilvopastoral systems, they now understand the complexities of nature and importance of maintaining forest cover on the fragile tropical soils.  The changes in attitude point to renewed efforts to rehabilitate the land and create healthy, living soils.  

Field staff are having success with a wood-conserving stove design originally implemented by SHI-Panama (a justa stove with open grill vs. comal-style plate). They plan to install more stoves while educating families about their health and environmental benefits.

SHI-Nicaragua is currently working with a consortium of nongovernmental organizations to apply for a European Union grant focused on food security and sustainability.  The grant, now in its final stages of evaluation and approval, involves five organizations, each with a different specialty (such as sustainable farming, community development, commercialization) in four regions in Nicaragua (Bluefields, Matagalpa, Esteli and Leon).