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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
USAID Assistant Administrator Adolfo Franco Comments on Food Security in Central America
Reaffirms President Bush's Commitment to Support the Region's Economies
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-43202002-127
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2002Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, DC - Adolfo Franco, the Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), today expressed concern about the food shortages in the Central American region. Franco reaffirmed the Bush Administration's commitment to help the region overcome the present food security challenges, while also focusing on helping the countries stabilize their economies. "It is our intention to provide short-term support where it is needed, but our focus will be on longer term adjustments in the rural economy," said Franco.
Franco explained that USAID is closely monitoring weather conditions and crop production in Central American countries. USAID is also analyzing the feasibility of a food security early warning system, which will help the countries of the region cope with future emergencies and target families most at risk. USAID is collaborating with non-governmental organizations and host governments to track the agricultural and nutritional situation at the local level.
As of September 30, 2002, severe corn crop losses in the first planting cycle of this year were apparent in an area running north-south between central Honduras and down into northwestern Nicaragua. "Given the erratic and unevenly distributed rainfall throughout this area in 2001, this year's band of drought will likely aggravate an already difficult situation in a poor and chronically food insecure region," said Franco.
USAID will provide significant new assistance in accelerating the needed structural changes in the agriculture sector in Central America with its new Opportunity Alliance program. This program provided $8.5 million in FY 2002 to assist Central America and Mexico in realizing opportunities for trade, investment, and rural economic prosperity. By stimulating public and private partnerships, USAID will enhance diversification, vulnerability management, and trade capacity in the rural economy.
Read the Fact Sheet on USAID's response and strategic approach to the food crisis in Central America
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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Last Updated on: December 30, 2008 |
