Nicaragua has experienced a constant economic growth, along with a reduction in poverty rates with different level of progress among regions. In the north of the country lies the region of Las Segovias, which is made up of three departments (Nueva Segovia, Madriz and Estelí), whose economy is based almost entirely on agriculture. In addition to primary production, microenterprises provide rural families with additional income, notwithstanding their limited managerial / investment capacities, and financing restrictions. Given this situation, PRODET seeks to promote activities that add value and facilitate access to financing through adaptation of the government’s successful mechanisms and programmes. 

A total of 5,750 micro-entrepreneurs and cooperative members from ten municipalities in Las Segovias increase their income by 20% and contribute to generating 3,200 new jobs.

• 4,250 microenterprises (at least 2,250 headed by women of the Food Production Package)
• 1,500 members from 20 cooperatives
• Ten (10) Municipalities

1. Microenterprises increase their productivity and competitiveness by promoting added value / transformation of economic activities and access to markets.
2. Microentrepreneurs strengthen their managerial and productive capacities.
3. Municipalities’ capacities are strengthened to promote services to micro-enterprises and a favourable economic environment. 

Expected results:  

• 4,000 individual business plans, 20 business plans for cooperatives
• 5 market studies carried out
• Commercial spaces (fairs) arranged at both local and national level
• Commercial alliances implemented and collective brands promoted
• Trust fund in operation
• Technicians and micro-entrepreneurs are trained and advised
• Knowledge management, inovation through alliances and exchanges
• Spaces for harmonisation and consensus in the municipalities
• Improved attention to and formalization of microenterprises

Results from previous phases:  

• A detailed socioeconomic study of the area selected for intervention
• Mapping of other interventions and identification of possible synergies
• Negotiation and joint formulation of the programme document with three government institutions (MEFCCA, INIFOM and INATEC)
• Definition of criteria to ensure the coordination of the technical assistance to be provided

• Ten (10) municipalities in the area of intervention
• Nicaraguan Municipal Development Institute  (INIFOM)
• National Technological Institute (INATEC)

• National Production, Consumption and Commerce System (SNPCC), including more than eight government institutions related to the sector
• SDC Professional Training Programme (INATEC- Swisscontact)
• SDC Dipilto Watershed Management Programme  (MARENA)
• Agribusiness programme financed by Canada (MEFCCA)

Phase 1 01.08.2014 - 31.03.2024   (Completed)