Multidimensional Index of Good Living of the Indigenous Community of San Andres de Bocay, Nicaragua

Abstract

The community of San Andres de Bocay, is located at 248 meters above sea level, latitude 14 ° 19’ 30” N and longitude 85 ° 10’ 50” W, is located on the Coco River 470 kilometers from Managua, 350 families live there with Miskitos 3,000 inhabitants, they are probably descendants of the Chibcha from South America, 6000 years ago.  The study was conducted with the aim of building a multidimensional index of good living in the community, research into three stages: collection, fieldwork and writing the scientific paper. Three variables were used; characteristics affecting the Good Life, elements that affect the worldview and human needs.  In social characteristics, education is regular in 90%, health 71% and they have no basic services. The economic structure is based on agriculture, without financing.  The Miskito culture is closely interconnected with the elements of nature turning these into condition for its social, economic and cultural existence.  The social organization is simple about the relationship retains values of love of family, water, environment, language and land.  They believe that the Good Life is achieved by the social cohesion of the community and the daily range of basic needs. The highest score to build the index of the Good Life Community abstained human needs: identity, livelihood, security, autonomy, participation, satisfaction, utilities, education, health, living standards, environment, good governance, justice and technically they established four columns, Be, Have, Do and Be.