Our projects are all dedicated to furthering self-reliance in food
production, good nutrition and related health matters.
True (non-hybrid) seed and vegetable trials:
Health and nutrition promoters agree that eating more fruits and
vegetables is a crucial component of good health for kids. We have
provided local growers and other groups in Nicaragua with NON-hybrid
seeds bred or selected for tropical agriculture by ECHO, an
organization dedicated to third world development. This provides
farmers with their own seed source, and removes them from dependence
on the hybrids and genetically modified seeds of transnational
corporations. Conditions of our seed sharing program are that 1]
growers report back to us in as much detail as possible, and 2] if
successful, they share some with their neighbors. [cost $450]
Leaf nutrition-- Moringa, the great green hope:
The use of green leaves for nutrition has great advantages, and a good
history of production and use in Nicaragua. (We have extensive
experience in leaf nutrition.) In the field of leaf nutrition, the
moringa oleifera (marango) is outstanding. It outproduces any other
tropical leaf crop by far; marango is outstanding for its nutrition,
lack of toxins, lack of pests (for now), regrowth in the dry
season. These perennial plants stay productive for years. Dr Leo
Mayorga has done five years of study on marango, growing several
plantings totaling more than an acre. Harvested leaves are fed to
hogs, which become part of the experiment. Leaf for Life is providing
funds for Professor Mayorga's needed leaf dryers. He is helping us
move the marango to our Gorrioncitos nutrition program. [cost: $500]
Composting toilets:
Sanitation is an important part of good health. The flush toilet/ wet
sewage mindset is thought to be the civilized way to handle wastes,
but vast amounts of infrastructure and water required to run a sewage
system. We have recently built a composting toilet at the
Gorrioncitos, modelled on working models here in Tennessee and in
Nicaragua (Habitat for Humanity model). This is a serious step up from
the common pit latrines generally in use there. [cost: $600]
Solar cookers:
Presently, the price of bottled gas and convenience make it the fuel
of choice for cooking three large pots of food every day. Solar
cooking is catching on, and is now quite effective. As the price of
gas rises, solar will be increasingly useful. We have sent a
lightweight, state-of-the-art solar oven to the Gorrioncitos, in the
hope that they will learn and grow accustomed to using it. Someday
they will need solar cooking. There is presently an excellent solar
cooker movement in Nicaragua. [cost: $220]
Playground gear:
We have built two seesaws, which are very
popular. We'd like to build other fun stuff for kids, plant a small
patch of green grass and implement other ideas to provide a little
extra cheer for the Gorrioncitos.
Areas of research and potential future projects:
Guidelines for optimal nutrition for infants, children and women:
This is of urgent importance but difficult in the present world of
profound changes and disagreements among experts. We hope to find the
ways to health, and build practical guidelines and good habits.
Mango research:
The mango tree is a special angel of health for tropical children; of
all the fruits, the mango is beloved and justly so. One normal sized
mango provides over 100% RDA of vitamin A and vitamin C for children
under age 9. Mangos have been free for kids in Nicaragua for
centuries. Mango trees typically live and bear for hundreds of years
and grow to great size. Mango oil is a valuable resource, yet
millions of mango seeds are tossed by the roadside daily. Perhaps
better use can be made of these. More mango trees are being cut down
than are planted. Perhaps someday we can help to plant more trees,
especially those which can extend the mango season.
Cacao/chocolate
We are learning much about healthy chocolate. We are preparing to help
our Nicaraguan friends if or when they want to get into a chocolate
business. More Info:
chocolateinfo.com
Nutrition Today Article
health-herbal.com
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