Economic opportunity
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Photo: Sean Sheridan for Mercy Corps
Markets, whether large or small, keep communities thriving. But conflicts, disasters and a lack of infrastructure can prevent people from conducting the daily transactions on which all growth and progress depend. Around the world, Mercy Corps discovers why commerce is stuck.
In some places, manufacturers need loans to purchase equipment and young people desire job skills. In others, key transportation routes to market must be rebuilt or farmers require better storage to keep their inventory fresh until sold.
Our economic development projects provide financing, equipment, training or technical support. These projects help people find jobs, build their businesses, supply their communities with the goods they need —and improve their lives.
All stories about Economic opportunity
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Uganda: Strengthening our ability to promote stability February 8, 2010
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Haiti: Watching Jet Li in Haiti February 7, 2010
The small town of Mirebalais has been overrun by 16,000 people who fled Port-au-Prince, one hour to the south, after the January 12 earthquake. This out-migration has more than doubled the size of Mirebalais, further straining the resources of an already dirt-poor town.
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Haiti: How can we help people in Haiti? (A short presentation for elementary school kids) February 5, 2010
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"Intelligent Investing" with Mercy Corps December 23, 2009
Mercy Corps President Nancy Lindborg was recently interviewed by Steve Forbes about social entrepreneurship, microfinance and other topics.
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Indonesia: A woman's touch December 23, 2009
In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami five years ago, the once-bustling village of Klieng Meuriah — like hundreds of villages in Indonesia’s Aceh province — was gone. Its buildings were shattered, its homes reduced to rubble and belongings washed away.
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Lebanon: Foundations for a strong future: Youth in Lebanon and Jordan promote cultural heritage December 2, 2009
Daily life in Lebanon and Jordan means contending with a large number of social and economic pressures and many young people — who make up the vast majority of the population — have lost sight of their cultural heritage.
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Indonesia: Leaving the past behind November 23, 2009
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West Bank and Gaza: We're all the beneficiaries November 21, 2009
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Indonesia: Faster is better November 19, 2009
Every morning at 3:30, Ridwan starts making tempeh. He’s been doing this for almost 18 years.
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Liberia: Mama na come November 19, 2009
Liberians have lots of great expressions, and I've enjoyed learning some of them as we traveled the country. I've shared a few of them here on my blog — how da body, tryin' small, a fish cup of rice.