A group from Nijmegen in Holland visit Vista Alegre

Vista Alegre is a small community to the south-west of Masaya, a few kilometres out of town and built around the edge of the Masaya Lagoon. The views of the lake and the Masaya volcano give the place its name (‘Happy View’ in Spanish). But the community is poor and struggles to make a living from the small farms that are typical of the area: the soil is volcanic, and fertile, but the steep slopes and lack of reliable water supply (despite the proximity of the lake) make farming difficult.

A partnership between the Leicester Masaya Link Group and its sister organisation in Nijmegen in the Netherlands is enabling our local partner ADIC to work with 30 families to help them develop more sustainable farming methods. The project started in April 2013 and lasts for two years (although we hope to extend it until the end of 2015).

The photos below show some of the recent stages in the project.

Participants visit another farm to learn from experience of earlier projects

Discussing methods of fruit production

Farmers draw their plans for each small farm

Using ‘A frames’ to set the lines for terraces

Initial line of the terrace – to conserve soil and water

Using plastic bottles to irrigate seedlings