Damaris’s Story: The Cycle Of Poverty Through Entrepreneurship
Damaris Ochoa López, a 44-year- old single mother from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, has experienced a profound transformation in her life. As a mother of five, she faced immense challenges, working tirelessly as a day laborer to provide for her family. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity.
A LIFE OF STRUGGLE
Damaris’s journey began in hardship. At just 9 years old, her parents migrated to Matagalpa in search of better opportunities. From a young age, she joined her mother as a day laborer in the fields which made it difficult for her to attend school. Damaris reached only the second year of secondary school before leaving to work full-time.
She married young and life became more challenging when the father of her children left a decade ago. As a single mother, she struggled to make ends meet, earning less than $1 per day. Her income from day labor and renting land for corn and bean cultivation wasn’t sufficient to feed her children. She didn’t even have basic services like reliable water or electricity.
Living in a room made of rough wood and a roof of leaves, Damaris’s family faced daily struggles. “I felt trapped in poverty, unable to provide my children with the future they deserved,” she recalls, her voice heavy with emotion. Her children’s education suffered as they too, had to earn what they could through labor in the fields.
THE TURNING POINT
But last year, Agros learned of Damaris’ plight. We recognized her strengths and determination and invited her to join our Harvest of Hope Center program in La Bendición. This marked a turning point in her life.
Damaris eagerly participated in agricultural activities and community initiatives, including a local savings group. She started upgrades to her housing, improving her family’s health and hygiene.
“I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to participate in a project of this nature,” Damaris reflects. “I am forever grateful to God for His constant guidance, for granting me strength, health, and the capacity to learn new things each and every day.”
NEW CHAPTER OF PROSPERITY
In December 2023, Damaris’s first planting plan yielded over 55,485 units of Nathalie chili peppers, surpassing all expectations. With a net profit of $2,665 from her first vegetable production cycle, she planted crops of cabbage and lettuce. Her newfound skills have empowered her to manage her crops effectively, leading to increased yields and income.
“Before joining Agros, I solely worked with basic grains and struggled with poor harvests and financial losses. Now that I have my own crop, I am generating better income at a faster rate, which is greatly benefiting me,” she shares. “This opportunity will allow me to pursue other endeavors. I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, and I am finally in a position to achieve my long-held dream of building a safe and healthy home.”
With newfound hope and motivation, Damaris dreams of finishing her home, buying additional land, and ensuring her children’s educational needs are met. She aspires to leave a legacy for her children — the titles to her home and farm land.
Damaris’s journey from extreme poverty to newfound prosperity is a testament to the power of opportunity, community support, and personal determination. Her story inspires others in her community, proving that with the right support and dedication, transformation is possible.
“I am deeply appreciative of Agros for providing me with this opportunity,” Damaris says. “I feel immensely supported by the instruction I have received in vegetable cultivation, the maya house, and the income that I will be able to generate for my household.”