Amos' involvement in Nicaragua has spanned a bitter civil war, during which the superpowers used the people of this small Central American country as pawns in their struggle, natural disasters (including Hurricane Mitch in 1998), the US trade embargo and political upheaval.

We have witnessed the growth of the country's debt problems and the negative impact of CAFTA – the Central American Fair Trade Agreement on Nicaragua’s rural communities. The legacy of such a past and ongoing political and financial difficulties means that Nicaragua's population of 5.7m is now poorer than it was during the war years. It is one of the 2 poorest countries in the western hemisphere with over 45% of its population living on less than US$1 a day.

Nicaragua is a very beautiful country, where art and poetry are celebrated amongst the setting of volcanos, lakes, two different coastlines and rain forest. Natural disasters have struck often - volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and hurricanes - the effects exacerbated by the deforestation caused by the desperate need for fuel for cooking.

Amos' partner CEPAD is an organisation which brings together pastors from across the country, training and equipping them to serve their communities. Through church and community networks, CEPAD is involved in supporting over 70 communities, creating employment opportunities, facilitating rural housing schemes, and educating on subsistence planting which benefits the environment and improves nutrition. They also provide theological education were responsible for linking Amos Trust with the Avocado Tree School.

To receive email updates about the work that Amos Trust supports in Nicaragua, contact Chris Rose.

See our news story about Giving It Up for Nicaragua in November.