USAID Honduras
Since its creation, USAID has provided more than $3 billion in economic assistance to Honduras. These funds have focused on improving the socioeconomic development of the country by promoting economic stability, rapid and sustained economic growth, and the equitable distribution of the benefits of this growth. These goals have been attained by promoting Honduran efforts to support:
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strengthening democratic institutions; |
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diversification of agricultural production; |
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expansion of exports; |
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promotion of microenterprise; |
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protection of the environment; |
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improvement of food security and sanitary conditions; |
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increasing access to health services; |
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expansion and improvement of the quality of elementary and vocational education; and |
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provision of training opportunities; |
Significant results have been achieved over the years through USAID's joint efforts with the people and Government of Honduras and other donors. For example:
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in 1960, less than 30% of Hondurans had access to potable water; today, more than 75% do; |
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illiteracy rates have dropped from 50% to 18.5% between 1960 and today; |
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areas where wildlife is protected did not exist 25 years ago; today, about 5,800 |
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square miles are under improved management as national parks or wildlife refuges; |
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Honduras returned to a democratic government in 1980 and has remained politically stable with a more independent judiciary system; and |
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nontraditional exports have increased, providing employment to thousands of Hondurans. |
Hurricane Mitch Reconstruction Program
After the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in October of 1998, USAID worked with the Honduran government, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and the international community to help Honduras in the arduous task of reconstruction and transformation.
The goal was to not only to restore the country to pre-Hurricane Mitch levels, but to also to make Honduras stronger and more capable of sustaining its own development. With the successful completion of the Hurricane Mitch Reconstruction Program, USAID remains committed to helping Honduras continue the path towards sustainable economic growth, an improved standard of living for all of its citizens, and the consolidation and strengthening of its democracy.
Looking Ahead: USAID Strategy 2009-2013 |
