Community 2: Waswali Waswali is a community of approximately 85 houses and 550 people. Located about 15 minutes outside of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, this community is well established and many families have known each other for generations. Most people here are sustenance farmers who also strive to grow enough food to sell at local markets. Several community members have college degrees and work as professionals in Matagalpa. The school here is well maintained but badly in need of additional student and teacher supplies. The students are currently attempting some small agriculture projects but the school grounds have a drainage problem in the rainy season, and the handwashing station is clogged and flooded as well. Chickens are found throughout the community as well as some rabbits and pigs. Locals expressed a desire to collaborate on agricultural development including increasing access to commercial seeds, diversifying their crops, and returning to summer irrigation through reconstruction of a small dam that was destroyed during Hurrican Mitch. Additional livestock would also be beneficial to families as well in increasing access to protein and goods to sell at market. This community may well benefit from a program that allows them to receive an animal if they agree to give the first female offspring of that animal to a fellow community member who continues the giving process. Dental and healthcare are badly needed here as most people only receive care in Matagalpa during emergency situations. Many villagers complain of diarrheal disease and upper respiratory infections, particularly during the rainy season. Housing improvements are needed throughout the community and residents might be open to micro credit or micro loan programs that allow them to purchase varying amounts of building materials at a fair price that includes transport to their home site. Initially, we will work on clean water access for the community includng conversion of rope pumps, training on maintenance and repair of both handpumps and purifiers, and possible dispersion of Filtron filter systems, a simple Nicaraguan made ceramic filter for the household. small agriculture projects but the school grounds have a drainage problem in the rainy season, and the handwashing station
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:58:50 +0000