We often take for granted the opportunities we have in the United States, and forget that there are those around the world who are literallly working to survive. This project gives us all the opportunity to change a little part of the world in which we live.This is Medard MelinkanFor three years, I've been working directly with Medard on his business plan and strategies via Skype and Facebook Video Chat. His only internet access is from a small internet cafe close to his home in Benin , Africa. My son, Aaron Minshall, a former Marine and business major, has also begun working with me on this project - speaking with Medard so that we better understand his business model and practices so that we can support his vision and meet the needs for this initial round of fund raising.In the time I've known Medard, he has saved his money and purchased nearly 10 acres of land in Djidja toward this project (Djidja is a hub of farming activities in central region of Benin republic) and has also completed his education in agroforestry at Africa's Songhai Center in Porto-Novo . He is active in his community, working to help build the palm oil and crop industry.Medard with people within his community.This is a robust industry - the African cashew industry supplies over 40 percent of the global yield and provides income to nearly 10 million people overall.The funds that are raised will be used to pay for the laborers to clear and prepare the land, purchase equipment (hoes and machetes), wire to protect the plants and the plants themselves.An exciting point of this project is that the cashew tree has a well-developed root system and can tolerate drought conditions and has a very long lifespan - often living as long as 70 years! That makes this a project that can exceed our own lifetimes and provide a positive impact on the next generation.The Cashew tree is among those trees that are ecologically and economically beneficial. Its leaves provide a shelter for people and wildlife its fruits make possible a wide variety of products.The cashew apple can be squeezed to obtain juice; the nut’s shell can be squeezed to get kerosene that is used as fuel for airplanes… and of course, the nuts themselves are delicious and in high demand.It is estimated that it will take up to seven years for the cashew trees to begin bearing fruit; in the meantime, the plan is to cultivate maize on the same land. This maize will provide funding and work while the trees are maturing.The maize residues will be composted with other local wastes to produce 100% natural fertilizer. That fertilizer will be used to nourish the cashew plants.NOTE: When maize production ends, other farming and household residues will keep on being composted to feed trees in nutrients.Part of our investment will be focused on endangered species to maintain the environment balance and protect biodiversity.In addition, NO chemical fertilizers will be used.My son and I have committed our time to this and will match up to $1000 US toward this project.