Over the last 25 years, Nicaragua endured a revolution, civil war, environmental disasters, and a president that embezzled over $100 million from his people. This maelstrom of events left 50 percent of the country below the poverty line and without sufficient employment, infrastructure, health care, and education. Although the nation is rich with biodiversity, much of the land continues to be decimated by unsustainable agriculture and landmines left during the Contra War. Human rights violations, child labor, and intra-familial abuse are commonplace and emblematic of the nation's pain due to war and corruption.

FSD’s newest program site is in Tola, Nicaragua in Rivas State, a small city positioned in southwestern Nicaragua along the Pacific coast. With a population of nearly 20,000, Tola extends over 477 sq. kms. and contains more than 60 communities of subsistence farmers, salt miners, and fisherpersons. Mired with poor infrastructure, low socioeconomic indicators, and few sustainable development opportunities, Tola is the municipal seat of a primarily rural area.

FSD launched its program here with the intention of catalyzing the sustainable development opportunities that are abounding in the region. It is an exciting location for more advanced participants seeking to contribute to baseline community and organizational development by implementing innovative approaches, key practices, and pilot programs.