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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Central African Republic: 'I have never seen a place as poor as this' September 21, 2009
I am writing from the Central African Republic (CAR). Not many people know much about this land-locked country slightly smaller than Texas. But the short and not-so-sweet brief on CAR is that it is the second poorest country on Earth after Sierra Leone.
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Indonesia: Bringing joy back to Aceh September 16, 2009
Lately it’s been quite cold because of the marathon rain pouring down nonstop for the last two days over Banda Aceh. The clouds have been sending away the intense sunshine that usually covers the town.
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Central African Republic: Video: Fatou Ali gets economic independence September 9, 2009
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Mongolia: A harsh reality for Mongolia's herders September 8, 2009
I just listened to a piece on NPR (National Public Radio) about how the global financial crisis continues to plague one of the world's most remote places: Mongolia.
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Indonesia: Crickets, crackers and chairs August 14, 2009
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Indonesia: 28 stories August 13, 2009
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Afghanistan: Hot as an anvil in Afghanistan August 11, 2009
On previous visits to Afghanistan I have traveled to our programs in the southern provinces in Helmand and Kandahar, where Mercy Corps has operated for more than 20 years, as well as those in the north.
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Indonesia: More happiness and laughter August 10, 2009
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Indonesia: Today is sweet August 8, 2009
When we were flying in over the blue sea waves lapping the shores of Banda Aceh earlier today, I thought, “This is where it happened.” I imagined the water pulling back from the shore with a horrific sucking sound before the sea hurled itself miles ashore.
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Tajikistan: Lord of the bees August 6, 2009
Beekeeping is an extremely valued activity in many areas of the world, and honey enjoys a nearly mythological reputation in many cultures. It should – promises weren’t made about a land of milk and honey for nothing.