Staff International: Nicaragua

Marvin Gonzalez has a degree in forestry and has trained in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras, learning sustainable agriculture skills. Before working with SHI, he gained experience in development, sustainable agriculture and environmental work with several government agencies and non-governmental organizations in the South Atlantic Region (RAAS) of Nicaragua. "About SHI, I like its form of working," Marvin Gonzalez says. "Most of the resources go to the farmers. Responsibility is given to the extensionists for making decisions. Plans are made from the bottom up, according to what the farmers would like to do that will give good results. "Despite having a small budget, SHI has the good will to do big things. Since I learned about organic agriculture and began to practice it, I have believed in it. I like being in the campo with the farmers learning and teaching. That is why I love my work."

Dinis Morales - Lead Field Trainer (2002)
Dinis Morales has a degree in agriculture and animal husbandry and has trained in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Cuba, learning sustainable practices. Dinis has over 20 years experience in development, sustainable agriculture and environmental fields, working for several governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the RAAS. He also has his own farm. "I am working with Sustainable Harvest International because I perceive the same objectives that I have been working toward throughout my life: environmental and human sustainability, helping the poor campesinos, increasing their incomes and giving a new light to their vision. Also, in the time I have been with the organization, I have noted that there is not a lot of bureaucracy. It is we, the field trainers, who decide together with the farmers the things to do. "As a field trainer, I like the program very much. Although the funding is small, it goes directly to the farmers and all investments improve things for the environment and families in the campo. This is good."

image: rene Rene Rocha Obando - Field Trainer (2006)
Rene Rocha Obando has the dual role of field trainer and boat captain in Nicaragua, since travel to the region where SHI works is first by boat and then usually by mule. Rene is originally from a community named La Cruz de Rio Grande, and he and his family have a small farm there. He has received training from Ibis of Denmark in organic agriculture, farm administration and infrastructure, mixed tree nurseries and garden methodologies. Rene also has worked with BICU University in the region, and is currently continuing his studies while he works for SHI. "I have three children and I have a very happy family. I am working with Sustainable Harvest Nicaragua since July 1st, 2006. The objective of the work is to acquire knowledge and experience that I can transmit to those who need it and cannot pay for it."

image: Maura Mejia Maura Mejía - Field Trainer (2007)
My name is Maura Mejía Bermúdez, I live in Bluefields and I'm 26 years old. I have a degree in agro forestry engineering from URACCAN University (University of the Independent Regions of Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast). I begin to work with SHI in July of 2007.

I work as a field trainer in agro forestry. I find the work that I perform very productive, because it is both technical and social work. I give technical assistance to the farmers of different communities of in the area around Bluefields and this helps them improve their quality of life and above all to improve the environment.

Marlon Moody - Field Trainer (2004)
Photo coming soon!
My name is Marlon Moody, I was born December 16, 1979 in the community El Asentamiento, Kukra River zone, Municipality of Bluefields.

I have three daughters and I am a farmer. My land is in the in the community of El Asentamiento.

I began to work as a participant farmer in Sustainable Harvest International's program in 2003. This organization motivated me very much. Now I am working for them and training others. I can relate with other farmers and exchange knowledge, as well as helping them to learn to properly manage the forest. We are working to keep the forest from disappearing.

I advise other farmers on how to improve the land and I am also improving the conditions for my family, since I'm acquiring knowledge due to my work with Sustainable Harvest.

Cipriano Perez Picado - Field Trainer (2005)
My name is Cipriano Perez Picado, I was born in Bluefields September 26, 1972.

At present, I live with my wife and my seven children in the zone of Kukra River, in the community of Las Brenas. I am a farmer and field trainer for Sustainable Harvest.

Previously I worked as a promoter of communal farming, teaching agriculture to other farmers. I also have experience as an environmental inspector.

I began to work as a field trainer with Sustainable Harvest in 2005, because I wanted to share experiences with other farmers, learning more about the handling of the environment. I like my work very much because we improve lives of families, as well as we improve our land.

Rafael Jarquín Ortiz - Microfinance Program Coordinator (2007)
Photo coming soon!

My name is Rafael Antonio Jarquín Ortiz, I was born October 14, 1980 in Bluefields, where I live at the moment. I'm 26 years old, I have a degree as Superior Technician in Administrative Information Technology and I'm also an agro forestry Engineer from the URACCAN University (University of the Independent Regions of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast).

I began to work with Sustainable Harvest Nicaragua at beginning of July 2007, and I coordinate the Trickle Up program [micro-finance].

Before working with SHI, I worked for three years as a math teacher in INATEC secondary schools in Bluefields and Colegí Moravo.

I like this work very much because we are helping people with scarce resources who what to make things better for themselves. I have always liked the projects focused on helping small farmers.

Ramon Osejo - Field Trainer (2007)
Photo coming soon!

I recently begin to work for the Sustainable Harvest Nicaragua and am the field trainer in the newest work area in the Municipality of Kukra Hill.

But beyond just working; I am inspired and personally motivated by the organization. My passion is for rural land and the constant search for solutions for the residents in the rural communities, where nowadays the forests are deteriorated and food is insufficient.

Under this approach I believe that working with Sustainable Harvest Nicaragua a great opportunity. The work begins in the field with the farmer and local field trainers. The organization (both national and international) gives us support and we continuously share results and evaluations. The technological training and knowledge we recieve is then transfered to the farmers.

It is this system that keeps my interest to contribute to the organization. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with SHI and optimistic about the results we will have in Kukra Hill.