U. S. Government Hurricane Felix Economic Reactivation Program Restores Livelihoods for Families in 49 Communities

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) $614,000 economic reactivation program with the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) has helped 1,899 families in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) reestablish their economic livelihood, destroyed by Hurricane Felix in Sept. 2007.

The program provided tools and supplies that allowed families in 49 communities in Puerto Cabezas, Waspam and the Mining Triangle to recover crops, rebuild small businesses and to reactivate fishing activities. With the delivery of agricultural packages that included vegetable and basic grain seeds, fertilizers and tools, 1,808 hectares of crops were planted. Fishing boats, motors, thermoses, nets, buoys and harpoons, helped fishermen in these communities return to work. Carpentry tools, bakery supplies, shelves and scales for mini grocery stores, and sewing machines revitalized small businesses.

Materials and equipment under this USAID program were delivered by ADRA and through six local organizations: Pana Pana; FADCANIC; Aikuku Wal RL; Tungy Wangy; COOPASMULSABAN, RL; and CEDUPAZ.

To help mitigate damage from future natural disasters, the program trained indigenous leaders in disaster preparedness contingency plans and provided educational materials, megaphones and other emergency supplies. The communities now have evacuation routes and safe locations identified and en early warning system in place.

USAID’s economic reactivation program with ADRA is part of the U.S. Government’s overall relief efforts for the RAAN. To date, U.S. Government Hurricane Felix assistance totals $15.13 million: