From Nicaragua: First Impressions

It took a car, two planes, two taxis, and a bus to get to Sabana Grande in northwestern Nicaragua.

Our first view was of the Solar Restaurant, which is situated right on the side of the Pan American Highway. This open air building was our first introduction to the community. It is staffed by the "Solar Women of Totogalpa" and located next to the Solar Center where engineering students work on renewable "Solar" technologies.

From the restaurant, Sabana Grande is about a 15-20 minute walk on dirt roads. We lugged our gear up the main road, dropping people off at their homestays. Each home was different, but there were lots of similarities. Some had electricity, some had running water- all had a family that was ready to let us into their homes.

All of the families had animals of some sort- cows, chickens, cats, dogs, pigs and horses. Some had few animals, some had many. From our first introduction, it was easy to see how intertwined human and animals are in the community.

Sabana Grande is more spread out than I was expecting. We did a lot of walking. It is made up of two smaller areas- La Frayle and Palmera- that are separated by fields where we saw cattle being used to plow. When we first arrived, the fields were just beginning to be worked.

Our first morning, we met with Susan Kinne, Mayra (a local human health worker), and Hilario (an animal health worker) to plan out our week.

Between our workshops and the things that Mayra and Hilario wanted to show us, our schedule filled up fast. Talking to them, it was clear that not only were they proud of the work that they have been doing but that they were excited for us to be present in the community.

Molly Liepnieks, graduate student, Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis