USAID/Nicaragua Development Program 2006 (Millions of US $)
Ruling Justly: More Responsive, Transparent Governance	9.4
Economic Freedom: Open, Diversified, Expanding Economies	14.6
Investing in People: Healthier, Better Educated People	14.4
P.L. 480 Food Security	9.7
Total $48.1 million

USAID – Overview

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created in 1961 as the first U.S. foreign assistance organization whose primary emphasis was on long-term development.  USAID works in agriculture, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries.

USAID has close partnerships with private voluntary organizations, indigenous organizations, universities, U.S. businesses, international agencies, other governments, and other  U.S. government agencies.  USAID has    working relationships with more than 3,500 U.S. companies and over 300  U.S.-based private voluntary  organizations.

USAID/Nicaragua Development Assistance Program

From 1990 to 2006, USAID assistance to Nicaragua totaled $1.7 billion.  The current assistance program promotes responsible, transparent governance and provides assistance for economic growth with emphasis on trade-led  rural economic diversification.   The program encourages investment in people through better  governance of social institutions, and improved access to quality health and education services.


Strengthening Democracy

USAID provides support for the modernization of Nicaragua’s judicial system and for legal reforms that increase access to justice, rule of law, and protection of human rights.  Results include a modern Criminal Procedures Code to increase citizen access to a justice, a Law on Arbitration and Mediation that will help build investor confidence,  and the passage of a Judicial Career Law for merit-based selection of judges.  USAID provides support for civil society organizations that promote legal reform, advocate for government transparency, and  inform the public on  their rights.  USAID also provides election support to help Nicaragua comply with internationally recognized standards of “free and fair.”


Increased Trade, More Jobs, Higher Incomes

USAID focuses its assistance on achieving increased trade and investment, the development of a competitive, market-oriented economy, and improved environmental management to help Nicaragua take advantage of the opportunities of the Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and other free trade agreements.  In 2006, USAID helped Nicaraguan producers to increase their sales in local, regional, and international markets by $26.8 million.  These activities generated higher incomes for farmers and their families and new  jobs in the agricultural sector.



Healthier, Better Educated People

USAID Nicaragua concentrates its development assistance on efforts to: improve government capacities to plan and manage health and education investments; increase access to quality education at the primary level; and improve health status at the household and community level. In 2006, these activities contributed to lower infant and maternal mortality rates by increasing the number of birth deliveries attended by skilled health personnel and immunization rates for DPT3 reaching 90%.  USAID’s quality primary education program reaches 1,120 schools.  Students in the program had 20% higher completion rates and higher academic achievement compared to other schools.


Food Security

Reaching 48,900 poor rural households, activities focus on increasing the production and marketing of high-value, non-traditional crops to increase family incomes.  Complementary feeding, maternal health and child survival activities improve health and nutrition in high-risk communities.