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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Mongolia: A Growing Market for Farmers in Mongolia November 1, 2004
Vegetable growers and dairy producers in Mongolia's Umnugobi province (or aimag) have begun supplying local produce to one of that country's largest mineral exploration operations.
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Kosovo: Milk collection center opens in Kosovo October 13, 2004
In Kosovo, milk is building stronger communities.
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Lebanon: Festival Offers Feathery Bonanza For Bird Lovers October 2, 2004
Comfortable shoes, some change and an desire to see nature is all you need for a weekend of bird watching and entertainment in Ebel es-Saqi, a village tagged recently by world-renowned experts as being one of the main pathways for migratory birds.
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Nicaragua: Lush mountains and lofty goals September 1, 2004
Julio Obeguedo is determined to reach the top of the coffee world. He's also resolved to lift other local farmers to that lofty goal.
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Nicaragua: Re-inventing tradition September 1, 2004
Magdeleno Benavides' path is a difficult one. After fifteen minutes of hiking, he arrives at the amazingly perilous slope where he's planted coffee under a grove of indigenous trees.
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Nicaragua: An integrated farm brings new independence in Nicaragua September 1, 2004
The coffee crisis has meant harder times for Birgina Morales and her family. Her husband has grown coffee all his life, and his father before him. Most of their meager livelihood came from the coffee harvest each year.
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Balkan Region Is Slowly Rebuilding August 22, 2004
Question: When did you first become involved in Bosnia?
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Lebanon: Showcasing The Historic Trees of Lebanon August 10, 2004
A colorful new book is highlighting the beauty and historical significance of Lebanon’s most picturesque trees and, at the same time, encouraging conservation efforts.
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Mongolia: Hard Work and Smiles for the Family of the Weeping Camel July 6, 2004
Throughout the Gobi and much of Mongolia, the Bactrian Camel (the two-humped version) is ubiquitous. It has become an emblem for tourists and locals alike.
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Mongolia: XacBank Awarded "5-Diamond Profile of the Month" Honor June 29, 2004
Since 2001, XacBank has worked to nurture Mongolia’s emerging economy by providing loans to entrepreneurs. Today, the bank received well-deserved praise for its accomplishments: it was nominated as MIX Market’s “5-diamond profile of the month.”