The Smart Power Effect: USAID Resilience

December 14, 2012 By Jonathan Ewing

The Challenge

Some regions in the developing world are highly-prone to natural disasters like floods, drought, and earthquakes. Families in these regions often rely on humanitarian assistance as their primary means of income. Since 2002, about 50 percent of all humanitarian assistance went to just nine of these countries.

The Solution

USAID launched the Resilience project to better prepare these regions to withstand and recover from natural disasters on their own. By anticipating risk, strengthening local governments, empowering women, and building economies, USAID hopes that nations in chronic poverty that are hardest-hit by natural disasters will be able to recover and require less emergency aid.

About This Series

Each week, the USGLC profiles a member or partner doing innovative work advancing our economic security, national security, or American values. Together, these companies and organizations are strengthening American leadership around the world. Do you know of an organization making an impact? Let us know.