Participatory Research in Nicaragua - Report on a Pilot Project
No Thumbnail Available
Date
1985-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Rural Employment Policies Branch International Labour Organisation
Abstract
Following the Triumph of 19 July 1979, the Nicaraguan Revolution has embarked upon a course of social transformation in which, for the rural sector where 65 per cent of its population reside, agrarian reform with cooperative development constitutes the central thrust. By 1982 Agricultural, Credit and Service, and Work Co-operatives covered 53 per cent of the small agricultural sector, 43 per cent of the total cultivated area of this sector and 15 per cent of the total cultivated area of the country. However, the bulk of these new production units are facing a wide range of internal problems such as an insignificant or non-existent level of capitalisation, a high degree of organisational and structural instability, superficial knowledge on the part of the members and leaders of their functions and obligations, poor technology, and a low level of formal education which stands in the way of the adoption of superior technology.
Description
After the 1979 Nicaraguan Revolution, agrarian reform with cooperative development became central to rural transformation. By 1982, cooperatives held a significant share of the agricultural sector but faced internal challenges like poor organization, lack of capital, and limited education. The government aimed to empower people through conscious participation and grassroots education. The focus was on building knowledge, technological capacity, and leadership from within. Popular education emerged as a crucial element in sustaining cooperative development.
Keywords
Agrarian Reform, Rural Transformation, Grassroots Empowerment, Agricultural Cooperatives, Institutional instability
Citation
Montis, Malena de. (1985). Participatory Research in Nicaragua - Report on a Pilot Project.