About the Community of El Limon

The community of El Limon is located in the arid southwest mountains of the Dominican Republic at an altitude of 3000 ft. It is two hours west of Santo Domingo, and six miles from the provincial capital of Ocoa.

El Limon has some 60 families, for a total population of about 300 residents. Its economy is based on short-cycle agriculture, mostly onions, eggplant, and tomatoes. Until 20 years ago, when an extensive community irrigation system was installed with support from the regional NGO (ADESJO), most families subsisted by making charcoal.

Most children in El Limon still do not continue beyond the (minimal) village elementary school. But in 2005, for the first time, two young adults graduated from high school in Ocoa, both motivated by participation in CAREL-related projects.