Of Toltec origin, the native people of Chichigalpa were presumed to be part of the Kingdom (Monexicado) of Chinandega and Tezoatega hence its name in nahuat nawat.

In pre-colonial times, the river was utilized for washing clothes, bathing, and other purposes, which often made the water appear murky or "chichic" (meaning fermented or sour) due to the soap's cloudiness.

It is bordered to the north by the Cordillera Los Maribios (a mountain range), to the south by León, to the east by Posoltega, and to the west by the municipalities of El Realejo and Chinandega.

There is a growing scientific view that CKD is linked to harsh work conditions, particularly long hours exposed to sun without sufficient shade, rest and water.

Dr Catharina Wesseling, an epidemiologist based at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden said that while other factors - such as pesticides, heavy metals and genetics – could also play a part, there was “absolutely no doubt” that CKD was an occupational disease.