The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the independent federal agency responsible for planning and managing U.S. foreign economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Agency has been the principal U.S. development agency for over 50 years. USAID provides leadership, resources, and technical expertise in various sectors, including economic growth, agriculture, trade, democracy and conflict mitigation, humanitarian assistance, disaster preparedness and recovery, and global health.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, USAID invests over $850 million annually to improve the quality of life and strengthen democracies and economies. The Agency’s economic development efforts focus on helping small farmers diversify production and increase output, increasing small and micro-businesses in rural and urban areas, and enhancing regional and global competitiveness. USAID’s educational investment targets early childhood literacy, strengthens secondary education and workforce training, and provides training and resources for teachers and families.
USAID also strengthens key democratic processes and institutions throughout the region, including the judicial, local government, and electoral systems. The Agency’s humanitarian assistance programs in disaster preparedness and recovery have improved the lives of residents in the region, providing safer housing and better health. USAID works in close partnership with non-governmental organizations, universities, U.S. businesses, international agencies, foreign governments, and other U.S. government agencies to achieve its goals.
The Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, led by Assistant Administrator Adolfo A. Franco, is responsible for the direction and supervision of USAID’s operations in the region. The Bureau works to prevent conflict by encouraging democracy and good governance, increase economic opportunity and reduce poverty through micro-enterprise programs, and improve access to quality education and training. USAID’s efforts in the region are guided by the conviction that major progress is within reach, as stated by President George W. Bush in 2002.
USAID’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean is marked by its on-the-ground presence in 16 field missions throughout the Western Hemisphere, as well as operations in non-presence countries, including Cuba. The Agency has working relationships with over 3,500 U.S. companies and more than 400 U.S.-based private and voluntary organizations. USAID’s leadership and expertise have made a significant impact in the region, improving the quality of life and strengthening democracies and economies.