GiftsShare:
Crab farmers in Indonesia rebuild their business with the help of a Mercy Corps small business loan. Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps
Portland, Ore. - On the three-year anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, Mercy Corps reports that its recovery and reconstruction programs have shifted to a longer-term focus on improving the economic and civic strength of affected communities. Mercy Corps has invested $28.7 million in hard-hit Aceh province, helping over 240,000 beneficiaries.
Since the disaster hit on Dec. 26, 2004, the economy in Aceh has been largely fueled by construction jobs needed to rebuild villages. Now, with reconstruction winding down, the unemployment rate is rising, increasing the need for a reenergized and diversified economy.
Mercy Corps is working with more than 200 Acehnese villages to address this looming crisis. The organization's programs support the agricultural and microfinance sectors, and help community leaders to prepare for the province's future.
"One of our greatest strengths is moving seamlessly from short-term relief and recovery to long-term development of communities affected by disaster or crisis," said Mark Ferdig, Mercy Corps' director of Aceh programming. "We are laying the groundwork for economic and social development. Our goal is to give communities the tools they need to succeed long after we leave."
Mercy Corps' agricultural programs support and enhance fisheries, aquaculture, livestock, forestry and crop production. In the past three years, Mercy Corps has invested $1.5 million in these programs, directly benefiting over 22,000 Acehnese people.
The agency's microfinance projects build economic infrastructure, improve the sustainability and reach of lending institutions; and connect people with products and services to start or improve small businesses. To date, Mercy Corps has helped to create and re-open 400 small businesses in Aceh.
As the economy transitions away from its dependence on reconstruction, vibrant communities will be essential for economic stability. Through the reconstruction process, a strong group of local leaders has emerged, driving the political, economic and social sectors. Mercy Corps has helped form 89 community groups in Aceh that are working to empower these leaders and ensure that communities can take ownership of their infrastructure and development projects, advocate effectively for themselves and shape their own futures.
Mercy Corps' work in other tsunami-affected countries has also transitioned to long-term development. In Sri Lanka, Mercy Corps' work focuses on community revitalization and creating economic opportunities, and in Somalia, programs support economic recovery of the tsunami-battered fishing industry. The agency's tsunami relief work in India phased out at the end of 2005.
Share:
