Securing Innovative Partnerships

Mercy Corps has had a presence in Nicaragua since 1992, when it helped to form Project Global Village of Jinotega, now known as Aldea Global.

Since then, the agency has worked on numerous initiatives, including supporting Aldea Global to become its own registered Nicaraguan non-governmental organization (NGO) and strengthening its Board of Directors to play an active role in the organization.

Aldea Global is now a successful farmers' association focusing on producing non-traditional products for export, such as gourmet coffee and black beans. Today, an innovative partnership between Mercy Corps and U.S.-based specialty roaster Coffee Bean International directs proceeds from the award-winning Café Aldea blend to help support social programs run by Aldea Global.

A two-dollar premium per pound provides money for projects such as mobile health clinics for women and clean water for hardworking farmers and their families.