My name is Javier Mendoza. I am 29 years old and live in the San Blass community, located 15 km away from Granada. My family is made up of 4 members, my wife Fatima and my two daughters, Bresly, 7 years old, and Stacy, 2 years old. I learned to be a farmer from my dad and I always worked the land with him. Five years ago, I decided to work independently. I started planting 1mz of yuca, which was challenging at the beginning because I had problems with the drought, but I kept planting in the following years.

Today I plant 4 mz and I have been able to diversify my plot. In 1mz, I am doing intercropping with yuca and corn and in other 2mz, I planted only yuca and some bananas. Prospera supported me with the installation of an irrigation system for 2mz and a greenhouse with drip irrigation where I plant other crops such as pepper and tomato. This allows me to harvest and market every 51 days without having to wait for the rainy season to do the planting. 

As a young farmer, I found many limitations starting to work independently such as having access to loans, high quality seeds and market. Being organized in a farmer group with Prospera Foods, opened doors for me. In addition to having a secure market where I am able to sell my entire production at once, they also facilitated better seed varieties and technical assistance. I have improved my yields going from 200 qq/mz to 300qq/mz in my production cycle. All this allows me to make about $200/month in profit and hire three workers permanently since I am able to plant more frequently with the irrigation system. My dad and I continue doing farming and support each other. He has worked with Prospera for more than ten years when the first farmers in the community were organized.  Now, the agronomist visits and advises both of us. We are happy and thankful for all the support received from Prospera Foods.