Farm Update: Juana María Chavarría Centeno’s Story.

In August 2023 we shared Juana Centeno’s story and how she had joined the La Bendicion village in Nicaragua. This year we have an update on Juana and her farm. She is still growing coffee, chaya(a type of squash), lettuce, corn, and beans. But, thanks to her hard work and the market lead strategies from Agros, Juana has sold enough crops to pay off her loan. Juana is now a land owner.  

From Extreme Poverty to Prosperity: Juana’s Story.

Juana María Chavarría Centeno, a 56-year-old woman from Jinotega, Nicaragua, has lived a life marked by struggle and sacrifice. As a mother of seven, Juana worked tirelessly on farms for over 30 years to support her family, facing harsh working conditions and extreme poverty. Yet, she embodies resilience and perseverance, proving that even in the midst of adversity, it is possible to keep a heart full of hope. This is her life story—a life full of challenges in a state of extreme poverty.

Since the age of 18, Juana sought work on farms, taking on various tasks such as preparing meals for workers, milking up to 29 cows per day, and laboring as a farmhand during coffee harvest seasons. She slept very few hours, and during milking periods, she had to wake up at 1:00 a.m. to have the milk ready by 6:00 a.m., when the truck would arrive to collect it.

“I felt like a slave to those landowners, but necessity forced us to stay. If the landowner treated us poorly, we would move to another farm, but in the end, it was always the same treatment,” Juana recalls. Despite her hard work and sacrifices, she could not adequately meet her family’s basic needs—daily bread, a decent home, basic healthcare, and education.

At the age of 23, Juana met the father of her children. After 33 years together, he abandoned the family, leaving her responsible for their three youngest children. Despite her relentless efforts, she faced conditions of extreme poverty, earning barely $1 a day, which equated to $0.14 per capita—far below the extreme poverty line.

God’s Plan and Her Path to Prosperity

“For over 30 years, I was a slave on farms, but I managed to survive. God had a purpose for me through Agros,” Juana said, expressing confidence that her life would one day turn around. Everything changed in 2015 when Juana was selected to join Agros’ program in the community of La Bendición. It was thanks to Edwin, her eldest son, who was part of the first families in the program in this village, that Juana found the opportunity to rewrite her story.

By then, Juana no longer had the support of her children’s father, nor a home to live in. She was still living in extreme poverty, with no assets other than her labor.

A New Beginning

Through Agros’ program, Juana and her seven children built a dignified home and received 2.66 manzanas (4.6 acres) of land. She began by planting corn and beans to ensure her family’s food security. Later, with financial support and technical assistance from Agros, she planted 3.45 acres of coffee.

“When I arrived in this community, I cried tears of joy. I had always asked God to give me the opportunity to have something of my own, for my family to have the chance to live in a decent home and work their own land. We were tired of constantly moving from one place to another,” she shares.

Construction and Early Growth (2016)

Three years after Agros’ intervention in her productive activities, Juana successfully developed 2 manzanas (3.45 acres) of coffee—a crop she has continued to maintain each year. This achievement required hard work, including training in good agricultural practices for coffee production, performing the necessary tasks to establish and harvest the crop, and dedicating herself daily to its management, relying solely on her own labor and that of her children.

In addition to coffee, Juana diversified her production by growing various vegetables. This not only strengthened her agricultural and business management skills but also ensured her family’s food security.

Growth (2017–2021)

From 2017 to 2021, Juana continued with her coffee cultivation. It was thanks to the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 harvests that she obtained gross sales of US$20,197, allowing her to pay off her land payment in the amount of US$6,310.09. In this way, Juana became a property owner 8 and a half years after her arrival in the Agros program. She was able to fulfill her dream of “having something that was mine.”

Always taking care of the coffee crop, Juana started planting chaya, a nutritious and versatile plant, from which she obtained a very good income, thanks to the economic and technical support of Agros. From the chaya crop, which she started at the end of 2023 and continues into 2024, she has gross sales of US$1,360.

Prosperity (2022–to Date)

Juana is now in a state of prosperity, with her goal being to maintain productive self-sufficiency and integral well-being. Her participation in Agros has resulted in a remarkable transformation.

To date, her net worth is US$47,460, including her home and productive land:

• Area built for housing: 1 lot of 0.11 acres.
• Area destined for production: 1 lot of 4.6 acres for coffee production and beans.

“Although I am already a little old, my dream is for my children and grandchildren to have better opportunities. If I didn’t manage to study, I want them to have that opportunity. Every day I wake up with the motivation to go to work on my plot of land, in my own time and with my own effort. I know that no one is behind me, with a penetrating gaze supervising me. That is a great relief for me and for my children. I have always wanted to change this history of slavery,” Juana says with tears of joy.

Over the years, as she has steadily increased her income, Juana has invested in improving her home, especially in the kitchen area, which she enjoys.

From Laborer to Thriving Agricultural Producer

Juana has gone from being a day laborer with no assets to a thriving agricultural producer who manages her crops with a sustainable and profitable business approach. Over the years, she has strengthened her agricultural knowledge, turning herself into a producer with the competencies and skills to manage her coffee, chaya, and basic grains crops, while also commercializing her harvests in the formal market. This shift has significantly increased her income, grown her assets, and improved her quality of life.

Impact Beyond Economics

Beyond the economic transformation, the Agros program has profoundly impacted Juana’s personal and community development. She has developed resilience and resource management mechanisms that have enabled her to achieve her economic goals and contribute to social development. As a resident of La Bendición, her story inspires other families who are moving forward on their path to prosperity.

To date, Juana has been living in La Bendición for 9 years and was recently elected as a member of the new board of directors of her community. She recognizes her capacity to participate and contribute to the development of her village. Juana is a living testimony of how an agricultural producer can achieve transformation, and her story continues to inspire other families seeking their own path to prosperity.

José’s Story: Sowing Seeds of Change – From Day Laborer to Independent Farmer

Life Before Joining the Project

For José Evenor Castro Blandón, life before joining the Harvest of Hope Center (HHC) was marked by long, exhausting days as a day laborer on coffee farms. Earning only $6.30 per day, he struggled to provide for his family, which includes his wife, Lucía del Rosario Blandón (32), and their three children: Johner Brayan (17), Ashley Jisell (10), and Breynis Joad (2).

The family lived in the El Galope community, where José owns a 4.94-acre (2 manzanas) plot of inherited land. While part of it was used to grow coffee, the returns were insufficient to meet the family’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and education. This reality left José constantly searching for better opportunities.

“I had to work on coffee farms, and with the little I earned, I had to pay for everything — food, water, electricity, and clothes. It wasn’t enough,” he recalls.

But everything changed in August 2023 when José applied to the Harvest of Hope Center (HHC) program. Inspired by the success stories of nearby producers, he saw an opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty.

A New Opportunity to Grow

The Harvest of Hope Center offered José something he had never had before: training, access to modern agricultural techniques, and support to diversify his crops. With guidance from Agros technicians, he embarked on his first planting project—a crop of Nathalie chili peppers—grown on a 0.32-acre (0.13 manzana) plot protected by a mesh greenhouse.

“I didn’t know anything about vegetables, but with Agros’ training, I learned how to care for the plants and monitor the crops,” José says.

Through technical support, he learned critical skills like pest control, crop rotation, and the use of irrigation systems. With the backing of HHC, José now had his own plot and access to an independent irrigation system—tools that would mark the beginning of his transformation.

Milestones and Achievements

José Evenor Castro Blandón’s journey with Agros has been marked by significant achievements in both production and financial growth. Over a period of 9 months, José generated $15,675 in total sales, a testament to his hard work and commitment. Out of this amount, he secured $4,474 as working capital and cash advances, which has enabled him to reinvest in future production and improve his family’s living conditions.

His efforts resulted in a net income of $11,201, providing his family with an average daily income of $10.37 per person — a substantial improvement from his previous work as a day laborer. Notably, José exceeded his initial production goal of 56,000 units, achieving an impressive 205,357 units. By fully adopting 100% of the basic production practices taught by Agros, José has laid the groundwork for sustained growth and greater economic security for his family.

Life After Joining the Project

The changes in José’s life are clear. His days as a farm laborer are over. He now works on his own land, growing his own vegetables, and earning more than he ever did before. This shift has given him greater control over his time, allowing him to spend more time with his family.

His wife, Lucía, and his children have noticed the change. The household has seen tangible improvements, including the installation of a bath battery, providing them with better sanitary conditions.

“Now I have knowledge of how to cultivate and manage crops. I’ve learned to produce higher-quality harvests, and I feel proud of it,” José says.

With more financial stability, his children have brighter prospects for their future. His oldest son, Johner, is now studying for a technical degree in agronomy, a goal that José and his wife strongly support.

Dreams for the Future

Looking ahead, José has big dreams. He hopes to:

• Build a better home for his family.
• Buy a motorcycle to make transportation more efficient.
• Dedicate a section of his inherited plot to vegetable farming to increase production and profits.
• Support his son Johner in earning a technical degree in agronomy, allowing him to follow in his father’s footsteps as an agricultural entrepreneur.

A Message of Gratitude

“With the vegetable business, you can make good profits, but it’s important to get a good harvest with high quality to sell it at a better price. It’s very important to have a good market,” says José, reflecting on what he has learned from the process.

He is quick to recognize the role of Agros and its donors in his journey. “I thank God, who comes first, and I also thank Agros International and the donors. This project is a blessing for every one of us.”

With his skills growing and his vision for the future clear, José Evenor Castro Blandón is no longer just a day laborer. He is a farmer, an entrepreneur, and a role model for his children, showing them that with knowledge and perseverance, change is possible.

Damaris’s Story: Breaking 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.”

Impact Testimony: Anibal Rayo Ochoa — Agros champion
in vegetable production

From Day Laborer to Aspiring Landowner: A Journey of Transformation with
Agros

Life Before Agros
Anibal Rayo Ochoa, 36, knows the meaning of struggle. The youngest of seven siblings,
Anibal’s childhood was marked by hardship after his father passed away when he was
only five. Raised by his mother, he grew up in a family where every hand was needed to
make ends meet. At 18, he began working as a day laborer on coffee plantations,
earning a mere 200 cordobas a day (less than US$6.00) — barely enough to survive.
Occasionally, he sought work in other parts of Nicaragua, always chasing a better
opportunity.

Anibal eventually found stability when he met and married Dalila Hernández 12 years
ago. Together, they built a life centered around their two daughters, Nielka (10) and
Sayani (6). The couple married both civilly and in the Church, and their faith has
remained a constant source of strength. For the past eight years, they have lived in El
Carmen 2 village, Matagalpa, Nicaragua, in a home that Anibal built with his own hands.
Made of zinc and wood, it has two small rooms, a living area, and a kitchen separated
from the main house. At first, they only had a latrine, but thanks to Agros’ support, they
now have two bathrooms with a proper toilet — a first for the Rayo family.

While Anibal owns a small half-acre plot where he grows coffee, his income was never
enough to meet his family’s needs. His work as a day laborer on coffee farms was
grueling, keeping him away from home for long hours. But Anibal’s determination to give
his family a better future never wavered.

The Decision to Join Agros
In October 2023, opportunity knocked on Anibal’s door — literally. Agros representatives
visited his home, as part of an initiative to meet with local farmers. When they shared
their mission of supporting farmers with technical assistance, crop diversification, and
financial tools, Anibal saw a chance to rewrite his story.

He was particularly drawn to the opportunity to receive training and support in vegetable
production — a field he had little experience in but saw as a pathway to economic
stability. “I’ve always wanted to try something new,” he said. “I thought this was my
chance, and I decided to give it a go.”

The Transformation Begins
With the guidance of Agros’ technical advisors, Anibal began cultivating Nathalie chili
peppers in a mesh-protected plot. This method offered better crop protection and
increased production capacity. His journey into vegetable farming wasn’t without
challenges, but Anibal leaned on his faith and perseverance.

“Nathalie chili peppers are something new for me, but I’ve felt good, thank God. Every
job is challenging at first, but one can adapt,” he shares. “Although there are times when
it’s tough, it’s less strenuous than my previous work, and the profits are better.”

Aníbal has exceeded all expectations with his farming results. Originally, the goal for his
Nathalie chili pepper crop was set at 56,000 units. However, through his hard work,
dedication, and the support of Agros’ technical assistance, he achieved an impressive
yield of 245,911 units — more than four times the initial target.

Aníbal’s success goes beyond surpassing production goals; it also reflects significant
financial growth and stability for his family. Over a period of just 9 months, his efforts in
cultivating vegetables have generated a total of $18,749 in sales. From this amount, he
secured $5,641 as working capital and cash advances, allowing him to reinvest in his
crops and household needs. His net income reached $13,108, providing his family with
a daily income of $12.13 per person per day — a substantial improvement compared
to his previous earnings as a day laborer. By adopting 100% of the basic production
practices taught through Agros’ training, Aníbal has not only elevated his farming skills
but also created a more secure and sustainable livelihood for his family.

A New Way of Life
Joining Agros not only changed Anibal’s work but also his family life. No longer does he
have to endure long hours of back-breaking work away from his family. Now, he works
closer to home, and his wife, Dalila, often joins him in the field, especially during
planting. Their bond has grown stronger as they work toward their shared dream of
prosperity.

“Now, I can come home every day after work,” Anibal says with a smile. For his wife,
this change has been transformative, too. She appreciates being involved in the
program, and the family’s well-being has improved significantly.
In addition to financial support, Agros has provided infrastructure improvements. For the
first time, the Rayo family has access to modern sanitation facilities. They no longer rely
on a latrine but have two functioning bathrooms, complete with toilets. This upgrade has
brought dignity, safety, and improved hygiene for his two daughters and the entire
family.

Dreams for the Future
Anibal’s dreams are rooted in hope and perseverance. He dreams of building a better
home for his family. “Our dream is to improve our house with better conditions, to make
it out of quarry stone and concrete,” he says. While his current house of zinc and wood
has served them for years, he aspires to offer his daughters a stronger, more
permanent shelter.

But his ambitions don’t end there. Anibal hopes to buy a larger plot of land, one where
he can expand his farming activities. With the income from his vegetable production, he
sees this dream as increasingly within reach.

“I trust that we will achieve this dream soon,” he says with quiet determination.

Faith and Gratitude
Anibal and Dalila’s faith is the foundation of their life together. As active members of
their church, they pray regularly, asking God to guide their journey and bless their
family. “May He guide us, and may His will be done,” Anibal says. His prayers have
been answered in many ways, from the health and happiness of his daughters to the
support he has received from Agros.

He is deeply grateful for the impact that Agros and its donors have had on his life. “I
thank God first, who always comes first, and also Agros International and the donors.
This project is a blessing for each one of us,” he shares with heartfelt sincerity.

A Story of Hope and Transformation
Anibal Rayo’s journey with Agros is a testament to the power of opportunity and
perseverance. From the struggles of growing up as the youngest of seven children to
the harsh realities of working as a coffee plantation laborer, his story is one of resilience,
faith, and the pursuit of a better future.

He dreams of handing down something far more valuable to his children: a home built
with love, a farm that sustains them, and a future filled with faith, dignity, and
prosperity.