INTRODUCTION
US AID HISTORY:
Summary
On September 4, 1961, the Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act, which reorganized the U.S. foreign assistance programs including separating military and non-military aid. The Act mandated the creation of an agency to administer economic assistance programs, and on November 3, 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID).
(USAID).
While some could argue that the creation of USAID simply represented a bureaucratic reshuffling, the agency, and the legislation creating it, represented a recommitment to the very purposes of overseas development. USAID was established to unify assistance efforts, to provide a new focus on the needs of a changing world, and to assist other countries in maintaining their independence and become self-supporting.
Historical Perspective
The 1961 reorganization of America's foreign aid programs resulted from an increasing dissatisfaction with the foreign assistance structures that had evolved from the days of the Marshall Plan, to which USAID and U.S. foreign assistance policy traces its roots.
By the end of World War II, Europe had suffered substantial loses, physically and economically. Responding to Europe's calls for help, the international community established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) on December 27, 1945. On April 2, 1948, through the enactment of the Economic Cooperation Act, the United States responded by creating the Marshall Plan. While the IMF and the World Bank were created as permanent institutions, the goal of the Marshall Plan was specific: To stabilize Europe, not as a permanent program for European recovery but as an emergency tool of assistance.
When the Marshall Plan ended on June 30, 1951, Congress was in the process of piecing together a new foreign aid proposal designed to unite military and economic programs with technical assistance. On October 31, 1951, this plan became a reality when Congress passed the first Mutual Security Act and created the Mutual Security Agency.
In 1953, the Foreign Operations Administration was established as an independent government agency outside the Department of State, to consolidate economic and technical assistance on a world-wide basis. Its responsibilities were merged into the International Cooperation Administration (ICA) one year later.
The ICA administered aid for economic, political and social development purposes. Although the ICA's functions were vast and far reaching, unlike USAID, ICA had many limitations placed upon it. As a part of the Department of State, ICA did not have the level of autonomy the USAID currently maintains. At the time, multilateral donors (such as those affiliated with the United Nations and the Organization of American States) were playing a greater role in foreign assistance.
OVERVIEW
Agricultural development is a proven engine of growth that reduces global hunger and poverty. Historical evidence from 18th century England, 19th century Japan, and modern China shows that agricultural growth was a key factor in industrial growth and economic development.
The recent global recession and food price crisis added to the suffering of people living in poverty and with chronic hunger. Around 75% of people in developing countries live in rural areas, with the vast majority dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. In many famine prevalent countries, farming is done mostly by women. However, women only own 2% of land worldwide and often have limited access to agriculture inputs, loans, and opportunities to learn about improved techniques.
The United Nations Millennium Development Goals brought global attention to the problem of food insecurity and the important role of agriculture innovation and investment in developing countries. The first goal calls for the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger and requires significant investment in agriculture by donors, developing countries, and the private sector. USAID assists developing countries harness agriculture for economic growth to increase the supply and lower the cost of food by making agriculture more efficient, productive, and sustainable.
At the April 2009 G20 Summit, President Obama called upon Congress to double U.S. support for agricultural development in developing countries to more than $1 billion. Recognizing that solving food insecurity requires engaging the world’s poorest populations toward rapid, sustained economic growth, the President tasked USAID to take a leading role in the endeavor.
USAID’s approach
USAID has a long history of technical leadership in international agricultural development by drawing upon the expertise of U.S. universities, industry, non-governmental and private voluntary organizations, multilateral development partners, and its own technical staff. USAID supports country-driven strategies and invests in strengthening both public and private institutions that underpin growth of the agricultural sector. The Agency works throughout the sector, from developing improved seeds and management practices to strengthening the industries along the agricultural value chain. USAID is scaling-up a comprehensive approach to agriculture by:
- Developing agricultural markets, trade, and finance
- Promoting food and nutritional security
- Funding collaborative science and technology research efforts
- Organizing volunteer technical assistance and extension services
- Fostering support for biotechnology-related decisions and access
- Developing and supporting sound programs for livestock and sustainable agriculture.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE:
According to the agency's July 1996 policy guidance on fellows, fellowship programs are intended to:
- Develop a pool of experts devoted to international development assistance;
- Provide individuals with practical work experience in the areas of humanitarian assistance and economic and social development; and
- Benefit the agency by providing research, technical advice, and intellectual stimulus.
The Fellows Programs provide USAID with fresh ideas, energy and the latest state-of-the-art technical knowledge, representing a broader set of specific expertise than is normally represented by the agency's U.S. direct hire employees. Fellowship programs are also a mechanism by which USAID can increase its outreach to partners, NGOs/PVOs, universities, and other donors. For the fellows, these programs introduce people to development issues and development institutions, give them visibility in the donor community, can help jumpstart their career, and help them with career choices at a critical time in their work development.
Certain general rules apply to all agency fellows programs. According to the July 1996 guidance, as revised:
Individual fellowships are to be limited to two years in duration --with extensions or combinations of different fellowships permitted up to a total of 4 years.
USAID and providing institutions must keep an "arms length" relationship in the selection, placement, and day-to-day oversight of fellows. Fellows shall, neither encumber FTE positions, nor assume the duties or "inherently governmental" responsibilities of a USAID direct-hire position.
USAID’s Work in World
We live in an era that has seen dramatic change in recent years -- an era that is rapidly evolving. Globalization, technology, HIV/AIDS, rapid population growth, terrorism, conflict, weapons of mass destruction and failing states -- these are just some of the issues shaping today's world. Most of these issues - both good and bad -- do not recognize national borders. They affect us directly and are dramatically altering the way in which we think and operate.
But we still face an uncertain future. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance.
USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all. Please explore the sections listed below to find out more about USAID's work in these areas.
Agriculture
The food that we eat connects each of us to the world of agriculture. Farmers and livestock producers in every country are responsible for most of the supply of food that goes through grocery stores and markets in towns and cities. USAID works with all participants in agricultural development to support efforts to increase productivity.
The food that we eat connects each of us to the world of agriculture. Farmers and livestock producers in every country are responsible for most of the supply of food that goes through grocery stores and markets in towns and cities. USAID works with all participants in agricultural development to support efforts to increase productivity.
Democracy & Governance
The idea of democracy is closely linked to the national identity of the United States. Even during the most isolationist periods in our early history, our relatively young country was seen as a shining beacon to individuals and families seeking personal freedoms. Expanding the global community of democracies is a key objective of U.S. foreign policy.
The idea of democracy is closely linked to the national identity of the United States. Even during the most isolationist periods in our early history, our relatively young country was seen as a shining beacon to individuals and families seeking personal freedoms. Expanding the global community of democracies is a key objective of U.S. foreign policy.
Economic Growth & Trade
Almost two-thirds of the world’s population lives on less than $2 per day. Families are hard-pressed, at this level of income, to meet their daily needs for food and shelter. USAID economic growth and trade programs provide support both to government and private sector partners in lower-income countries to improve the levels of income their citizens enjoy.
Almost two-thirds of the world’s population lives on less than $2 per day. Families are hard-pressed, at this level of income, to meet their daily needs for food and shelter. USAID economic growth and trade programs provide support both to government and private sector partners in lower-income countries to improve the levels of income their citizens enjoy.
Environment
Growing populations are placing increasing pressure on the natural resources in many countries and many of these resources, once used, are not renewable. USAID takes an integrated approach to natural resources management. Land and water must be managed skillfully so that they are able to maintain our basic ability to produce food for the nine billion people that the world is expected to have by 2050.
Growing populations are placing increasing pressure on the natural resources in many countries and many of these resources, once used, are not renewable. USAID takes an integrated approach to natural resources management. Land and water must be managed skillfully so that they are able to maintain our basic ability to produce food for the nine billion people that the world is expected to have by 2050.
Education & Training
The ability to read and write — or literacy — is a basic skill for people to live and work in today’s world. Yet more than 900 million adults are not literate, primarily in developing countries. More than 125 million children who should be in school are not. USAID emphasizes programs of support for basic education and places a special emphasis on improving opportunities for girls, women and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.
The ability to read and write — or literacy — is a basic skill for people to live and work in today’s world. Yet more than 900 million adults are not literate, primarily in developing countries. More than 125 million children who should be in school are not. USAID emphasizes programs of support for basic education and places a special emphasis on improving opportunities for girls, women and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.
Global Health
The USAID’s programs in global health represent the commitment and determination of the US government to prevent suffering, save lives, and create a brighter future for families in the developing world.
The USAID’s programs in global health represent the commitment and determination of the US government to prevent suffering, save lives, and create a brighter future for families in the developing world.
Global Partnerships
Since its inception, USAID has worked in cooperation with U.S. and international partners to improve conditions for people around the world. While these partnerships have long been key to USAID's success, this strategy has never been more important than now.
Since its inception, USAID has worked in cooperation with U.S. and international partners to improve conditions for people around the world. While these partnerships have long been key to USAID's success, this strategy has never been more important than now.
Humanitarian Assistance
The United States gives more to that in crisis than any other country in the world. USAID is the U.S. Government agency that is responsible for directing these contributions to thousands of non-profit partners and international organizations.
The United States gives more to that in crisis than any other country in the world. USAID is the U.S. Government agency that is responsible for directing these contributions to thousands of non-profit partners and international organizations.
Cross-Cutting Programs
Some parts of our work are best implemented by working through the Agency's key sectors to implement their goals in a coordinated fashion and to call attention to these issues in each programmatic area.
Provides fast, flexible, short-term assistance to take advantage of windows of opportunity to build democracy and peace. This program lays the foundations for long-term development by promoting reconciliation, jumpstarting economies, and helping stable democracy take hold.
Private and Voluntary Cooperation
USAID has forged critical ties with U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations committed to participating in development. It has used competitive grants and programs to help deliver essential services in underserved communities.
Civilian Response
USAID is one of eight civilian US Government Agencies working to improve our civilian response capability. We also collaborate with the US military to ensure a cohesive "Whole of Government" approach to reconstruction and stabilization.
Conflict Management
Violence, or the imminent threat of violence, can destabilize a society in ways that traditional USAID programs are often ill-prepared to identify and address. USAID is taking a lead role in designing development assistance programs that better address the causes and consequences of violent conflict.
Urban Programs
Few developing cities are prepared for the consequences of rapid growth. USAID's urban programs improve the living conditions of the urban poor while protecting the well-being of future generations.
Water
Every ecosystem, society, and individual on Earth depends on water. USAID has made the preservation and environmentally sound development of the world's water resources a top priority.
Women In Development
The contributions that women make to the economic, social, and political lives of their nations, communities, families and the next generation make them key actors in effective development.
Budget/Performance/Accountability
Budget
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Department of State, produces several key planning and reporting documents that define the primary goals and progress of U.S. foreign policy, development and humanitarian assistance. A joint effort ensures that the two organizations focus on achieving common goals, finding economies of scale, and promoting new synergies. Once policy objectives are established, funding resources are aligned to meet them. Execution of the strategic plan is reported in the following performance plans and reports.
Strategic Plan
The joint Department of State and USAID Strategic Plan sets forth the agencies' long-term vision as expressed through strategic goals and objectives. The current plan covers the FY 2007-2012 time period and presents how the Department of State and USAID will implement US foreign policy and development assistance.
Economic Growth and Trade
Economic growth is key to transforming the developing world. It is the only way for poor countries to reduce and eventually do away with extreme poverty. Economic growth is the surest way for countries to generate the resources they need to weather global crises - from unstable markets for finance to those for energy and food - and to address their own illiteracy, poor health and other long-term development challenges. Economic growth in developing countries is important to the security of the United States. Poor countries are more susceptible to conflict, can harbor terrorist activity, and are often sources of illegal immigration, epidemic disease, and international crimes such as the trafficking of narcotics and persons.
USAID works to help developing countries achieve rapid, sustained and broad-based economic growth – the growth needed to ensure their peoples’ well-being over time. USAID’s Economic Growth Strategy, Securing the Future: A Strategy for Economic Growth (April 2008) guides efforts in this area through three program approaches:
Develop Well-Functioning Markets: USAID programs recognize that economic growth is ultimately based on the ability of enterprises, of all types and sizes, to become more productive. For this reason, USAID works to identify barriers to enterprise growth and to promote legal and regulatory reforms that will ensure a climate for sustained expansion. Emphasis is placed on microeconomic reforms, or reforms that affect enterprises at all levels, from street vendors to family farms to large corporations. USAID also supports macroeconomic reforms, or reforms that affect a country’s national economy, on a more limited basis.
Enhance Access to Productive Activities: USAID works to ensure that the poor, women and other disadvantaged groups benefit from economic growth. It supports programs that help poor households obtain credit and other financial services needed to start small businesses and undertake other activities that create income. It also provides micro and small enterprises with business services that can improve their productivity and ability to compete in the global marketplace.
Strengthen the International Framework of Policies, Institutions and Public Goods: USAID supports international research that contributes to economic growth such as the development of new seed varieties that increase crop output and farmers incomes. USAID helps poor countries adopt international standards and practices such as improved procedures for customs and border operations that can lower costs and increase efficiency, and better financial management systems that allow for stronger oversight of government spending and reduce chances for corruption.
Environment
The natural resources available to people for food and other production, maintaining healthy lives, and the pleasure of a beautiful landscape — perhaps filled with wild animals — can seem boundless. But growing populations are placing increasing pressure on the resources in many countries and many of these resources, once used, are not renewable.
Fresh water supplies -- essential for agricultural production, for drinking, for maintenance of important habitats of animals – are projected to be inadequate to meet the needs of one-third of the world’s population by 2025, unless better use is made of this precious resource. In many coastal areas, pollution has reduced the quality of the water, affecting the health of coral reefs and fisheries and the lives of the many millions of people worldwide who make their living by fishing in oceans and bays. Forests are being cut down faster than they are being regenerated or planted. Tropical forests, in particular, are an important source of biodiversity, that is, plants and animals.
USAID takes an integrated approach to natural resources management. Land and water must be managed skillfully so that they are able to maintain our basic ability to produce food for the nine billion people that the world is expected to have by 2050. Food supplies must increase by 40 percent while the land available for farmers to expand production is estimated to be only 10 percent more than is already being used. Water supplies must be used more efficiently – and water quality must be maintained or even improved if people are to remain healthy. More than 2 million children are estimated to die each year from diseases caused by drinking dirty water.
Forests must be protected by those who live in or close to them. New approaches to involving these people in the wise management of a resource important to everyone in the world are being developed and applied in many areas. Sound methods for harvesting trees for timber integrate economic goals with environmental management goals, community management of forest areas integrate community needs with innovative approaches to eco-tourism. These kinds of programs promise to slow the rate of deforestation, especially in tropical countries. However, illegal and destructive logging remain a threat to biodiversity conservation. Once lost, it will be impossible for the world to recover that diversity which has provided us with the bases for new medical drugs and other benefits.
USAID’s programs in natural resource management are closely linked with programs to improve health, increase agricultural productivity, mitigate or adapt to climate change, and even governance – in this case, governance of the environment.
Education & Universities
Literacy - the ability to read and write - is a basic skill for people to live and work in today’s world. Yet more than 700 million adults are not literate, primarily in developing countries. About 72 million children who should be in school are not. For this reason, USAID assists developing countries to improve pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels of education. Teacher training for these levels, as well as adult literacy programs, are important elements of USAID’s education initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on improving educational opportunities for girls, women and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.
Competitive economies require workers to be able to learn advanced and changing concepts of science and technology, law and governance, and business and on a continuous basis. Without sound conceptual and technical skills acquired in secondary schools, workforce development programs, community colleges, and universities, youth in developing countries will be unable to be as productive and as innovative as they could – and should be. Therefore, in collaboration with American universities and colleges, USAID supports a wide variety of training, workforce development, and higher education programs that strengthen faculties and administrations in both developing countries and the United States.
In addition, USAID provides both long and short-term training opportunities to hundreds of thousands of individuals in developing and transition countries each year. A flexible approach to education and training enables USAID to respond to the variety of learning challenges that are being faced by people around the world as they live and work.
In all its education initiatives USAID actively seeks opportunities to work in partnership with U.S. universities and colleges, private firms, foundations and other bilateral and multilateral donors.
Foreign Service
Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) are the core staff of USAID’s overseas offices (called “missions”) and provide shape and forward momentum to country and regional programs. FSOs apply both technical knowledge and a variety of program design, management and evaluation expertise to ensure that foreign assistance programs achieve U.S. foreign policy objectives and meet the needs of partners in a cost effective manner. USAID’s Foreign Service Officers work directly with the governments and people of the countries in which we serve and collaborate with a range of development agencies and non-governmental partners (e.g. private sector entities, universities and associations, community and non-profit organizations) to develop and carry out programs that meet assistance objectives.
If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times — poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism – then USAID’s Foreign Service may be the career for you. You would join a corps of officers who have worked for more than fifty years to make lasting improvements to the lives of millions of people around the globe. USAID Foreign Service Officers are stationed in Washington and in more than 75 countries in five regions worldwide – Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Eurasia, Asia and the Pacific, and the Middle East. They work alongside colleagues from other U.S. government agencies to achieve our country’s foreign policy objectives in democracy and governance, economic growth and trade, peace and security, education and health, conflict mitigation and humanitarian response.
USAID recruits new career Foreign Service Officers primarily through its Junior Officer (JO) Program. Because of the expanded demand for USAID involvement worldwide and the limited availability of staff resources to provide developmental expertise in key sectors (e.g. food, basic education, conflict mitigation), a mid-level FSO hiring program for specific technical specialties has been initiated to supplement the JO program. The Development Leadership Initiative (DLI) is providing funding to double the number of career Foreign Service Officers between 2008 and 2012.
- Description of US-AID Foreign Service Officer Positions
- Foreign Service Officer Frequently-Asked Questions
- Foreign Service Junior Officer (JO) Vacancies
- Foreign Service Mid-Level Vacancies
- Foreign Service Benefits
- Foreign Service Salary Chart
USAID is also hiring non-career officers for specific term-limited appointments through the Foreign Service Limited program. Such appointments provide experience that often makes candidates highly competitive for entry to the career Foreign Service.
Information on opportunities for Foreign Service Limited Appointments (FSLs)
Humanitarian Assistance
A hurricane tears through Central America. Civil war creates refugees in the Balkans. Famine strikes the Horn of Africa. Two decades of war in Afghanistan its new government unable to deliver the most basic of services. In these and other situations around the world, the compassion of the American people goes pouring out to those in need through USAID.
The United States gives more to that in crisis than any other country in the world. USAID is the U.S. Government agency that is responsible for directing these contributions to thousands of non-profit partners and international organizations like the World Food Program and UNICEF. In tandem with these organizations, the agency helps those affected by disaster to cope and then begin again by converting crisis situations into opportunities to promote peace, democracy, and economic growth. USAID ensures that all of this assistance is spent in the way that most effectively helps those who are in need.
The following USAID programs are key to providing humanitarian assistance:
Foreign Disaster Assistance: Responsible for facilitating and coordinating U.S. Government emergency assistance overseas and to provide humanitarian assistance to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the social and economic impact of natural and man-made disasters worldwide.
Food for Peace: The primary means by which the United States donates food quickly to those people who have the immediate needs because of natural or man-made disasters. Agricultural goods provided by Food for Peace can also be sold or exchanged to help rural communities learn how to produce enough food to meet their own needs, and to teach these communities about nutrition and health.
Ocean Freight Reimbursement: Provides small competitive grants to over 50 U.S. partners each year to reimburse the partner's costs to transport donations, such as medical supplies, agricultural equipment, educational supplies, and building equipment, to developing countries.
Denton Program: Allows nongovernmental organizations or private citizens to use space available on U.S. Military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods and equipment to countries in need, at little or no cost to them.
The Funds consists of three separate programs operated together:
Displaced Children and Orphans Fund (DCOF): Provides assistance to families who take in children orphaned as a result of war or disaster.
Patrick J. Leahy War Victims Fund (LWVF): For those disabled by conflict, provides assistance in getting prosthetics. Also provides assistance to polio victims.
Victims of Torture Fund (VOT): Supports programs that affirm the dignity of the survivor by restoring his or her position as a functioning and contributing member of the family and the community.
USAID's Global Partnerships
Since its inception, USAID has worked in cooperation with U.S. and international partners to improve conditions for people around the world. While these partnerships have long been key to USAID's success, this strategy has never been more important than now.
While the U.S. Government gives more aid than any other government, as a percentage of gross national income, it is the smallest among government foreign assistance programs. This is misleading, however, as the true measure of American generosity is not just the aid given by the U.S. Government aid, but should also include the rising amount given by American citizens and companies.
In 1970, the U.S. government provided 70% of American foreign assistance. Today, the government provides only 20% and American citizens and companies provide 80%. When private aid is added, the U.S. is first of all countries in the amount of aid provided to countries in need.
USAID is committed to an approach that recognizes and incorporates the efforts of partnership and private giving, focusing on grassroots support, local ownership, sustainability, accountability, and--not least--passion and commitment. The following programs incorporate the agency's efforts in this area:
Development Partners
Promote an open, collaborative approach to development practice, access to development information, sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
- Leverage additional resources for improved development impact and sustainability.
- Improve dialogue and understanding among the international community.
- Expand the diversity of technical and other resources available to US-AID.
- Shape the thinking of other donors on development policies.
- Foster better intra-agency relationships for the USG.
Global Development Alliance: Coordinates agreements between companies, non-for-profits, and government agencies that maximize the amount benefit of aid provided to developing nations. These alliances bring significant new resources, ideas, technologies and partners to bear on problems in countries where US-AID works.
Military Affairs: The Office of Military Affairs (OMA) is Us Aid's primary point of contact with the Department of Defense (DoD). Representing the spectrum of US AID functions, OMA provides the focal point for Agency interaction with US and foreign militaries in formalized relationships through coordinated planning, training, education, and exercises. Program areas of common interest include humanitarian assistance, terrorism prevention, strategic communications, conflict prevention and mitigation, counter-insurgency, post-conflict reconstruction and stabilization, and operational implementation.
Faith Based & Community Initiatives: Twenty-five percent of US Aid's partners are faith-based organizations. US-AID is committed to working with these and other faith and community based organizations to find the most effective means of improving the lives of citizens in developing nations.
Matching Grants: Allows U.S. non-profits to expand successful programs in new places or initiate new projects. The program also enables U.S. non-profits to undertake experimental or innovative projects, which are on the cutting edge of development efforts and offer potential for learning and replication.
Cooperative Development Organization (CDO) Program: Responds to the needs of local cooperatives and other group-based businesses by utilizing the expertise and resources of long-established U.S. cooperative organizations, their members, and volunteers
Capable Partners Program: Provides technical assistance to enhance the performance of community-based Non-governmental organizations, collaborating partners, and networks.
Global Development Commons: The Global Development Commons promotes innovations for international development through knowledge sharing, partnerships, and collaborative problem-solving. Identifying and fostering innovations through open approaches can improve our ability to deliver on our core mission at the US Agency for International Development. The Commons seeks to enable citizens of the world to innovate and co-create solutions to common problems.
Program summary in Bangladesh:
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) makes a difference in Bangladesh through our commitment to improving the lives of the poor. Our programs assist Bangladeshi organizations and communities in addressing their needs in the areas of health and family planning, income generation, agriculture and food security, disaster management, democracy and human rights, and education. Our principal partners are non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We also work closely with the Government of Bangladesh and other donors.
History of Commitment to the People of Bangladesh:
Since 1971, USAID has provided over $5 billion in development assistance. Food aid accounts for over half of that amount. With USAID assistance, Bangladesh has seen significant improvements in living conditions for its people. Today, Bangladeshis have better access to health care and electricity, increased agricultural productivity and better nutrition. USAID also works with communities in disaster preparedness and to improve their ability to manage emergency food supplies.
Since 1971, USAID has provided over $5 billion in development assistance. Food aid accounts for over half of that amount. With USAID assistance, Bangladesh has seen significant improvements in living conditions for its people. Today, Bangladeshis have better access to health care and electricity, increased agricultural productivity and better nutrition. USAID also works with communities in disaster preparedness and to improve their ability to manage emergency food supplies.
In 2007, USAID provided more than $78 million in assistance to Bangladesh. USAID also played a significant role in flood relief efforts in 2004, contributing to $1.6 million for humanitarian aid, as well as redirecting nearly 10,000 metric tons of rice, valued at $6.6 million, to the flood-affected Bangladeshis.
Promoting Democratic Institutions and Practices:
USAID supports national policies and democratic institutions to be more transparent and responsive to citizen input. With USAID assistance, Bangladeshi NGOs are helping ensure credible and transparent elections and the promotion of human rights. This includes work to prevent human trafficking, protect labor rights of workers and further respect, tolerance, and understanding of human rights. USAID also promotes citizen participation in local government. This includes cooperation between local government systems and citizen co-management groups to improve biodiversity and conservation of natural resources.
USAID supports national policies and democratic institutions to be more transparent and responsive to citizen input. With USAID assistance, Bangladeshi NGOs are helping ensure credible and transparent elections and the promotion of human rights. This includes work to prevent human trafficking, protect labor rights of workers and further respect, tolerance, and understanding of human rights. USAID also promotes citizen participation in local government. This includes cooperation between local government systems and citizen co-management groups to improve biodiversity and conservation of natural resources.
Expanding Economic Opportunities for the Poor
USAID seeks to increase jobs and income for the poor in targeted areas with a focus on equity. Activities will promote greater participation of women and youth as business leaders, develop workforce skills and strengthen public-private sector alliances. USAID also assists Bangladesh in expanding access to global markets by supporting key sectors to improve the quality of products and services.
USAID seeks to increase jobs and income for the poor in targeted areas with a focus on equity. Activities will promote greater participation of women and youth as business leaders, develop workforce skills and strengthen public-private sector alliances. USAID also assists Bangladesh in expanding access to global markets by supporting key sectors to improve the quality of products and services.
A Healthier and Better Educated Population
USAID works with NGOs and the Government of Bangladesh to improve and expand health care for the poor. USAID-supported NGO health clinics provide high quality family planning and basic health services to more than 26 million patients each year. Clinics also provide prenatal and postnatal care for mothers and their newborns, as well as offer safe delivery by trained birth attendants. USAID also educates Bangladeshis about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention with a focus on at-risk populations. The program also works to ensure the availability of contraceptive methods at more than 200,000 sales outlets throughout the country.
USAID works with NGOs and the Government of Bangladesh to improve and expand health care for the poor. USAID-supported NGO health clinics provide high quality family planning and basic health services to more than 26 million patients each year. Clinics also provide prenatal and postnatal care for mothers and their newborns, as well as offer safe delivery by trained birth attendants. USAID also educates Bangladeshis about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention with a focus on at-risk populations. The program also works to ensure the availability of contraceptive methods at more than 200,000 sales outlets throughout the country.
USAID's early childhood education program prepares preschool age boys and girls to succeed in primary school by improving their reading and math skills. USAID-funded Sesame Street television program, Sisimpur, is one of the most popular children's shows in Bangladesh. Studies indicate that children who watch Sisimpur show remarkable improvements in vocabulary, cultural knowledge and counting skills.
Improved Food Security and Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness and Relief
USAID works to improve food security in the poorest and most disaster-prone areas in rural Bangladesh. Food-for-work programs allow poor people to work for food and wages by building roads and cyclone shelters to help communities prepare for disasters. In recent years, improved early warning and response systems have significantly lessened the loss of life during times of disaster. Contingency plans ensure that over 25 million people have access to relief supplies within 72 hours of a disaster. USAID also improves family nutrition by teaching home gardening techniques and working with poor farmers to diversify their crops.
USAID works to improve food security in the poorest and most disaster-prone areas in rural Bangladesh. Food-for-work programs allow poor people to work for food and wages by building roads and cyclone shelters to help communities prepare for disasters. In recent years, improved early warning and response systems have significantly lessened the loss of life during times of disaster. Contingency plans ensure that over 25 million people have access to relief supplies within 72 hours of a disaster. USAID also improves family nutrition by teaching home gardening techniques and working with poor farmers to diversify their crops.
Population & Health
Dramatic Improvements in Health
Twenty years ago, many experts claimed the nation's conservative culture and low standard of living would be insurmountable obstacles to family planning and child survival programs in Bangladesh. However, over the past three decades health indicators have improved dramatically.
In Bangladesh contraceptive use among currently married couples increased from 8% in the mid 1970’s to 56% in 2007. This resulted in a significant decline in fertility from 6.3 to 2.7 children per woman over the same period. However, recent findings from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey show that contraceptive use rate has not improved in the past 3 years. Bangladesh’s goal to reach a fertility level of 2 children per woman or below will require contraceptive use to increase substantially over the current use rate.
There has been a significant increase in use of antenatal care among pregnant women, from 49%in 2004 to 52% 2007.4. Despite the rise in antenatal care, only one in five women receive the recommended four or more antenatal visits during her pregnancy. Less than one in five deliveries are assisted by a trained birth attendant. has a consequence-35 women are dying each day in giving child birth.
Over the last three decades, mortality rates of children under the age of five have declined significantly. Their risk of dying has fallen from 250 to 65 deaths per 1000 live births. Similar sharp decline has occurred in infant deaths due to the success of a number of child health programs like increasing vaccination coverage and improving management and treatment of diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. Most deaths among children under five years of age, occurs now in the first month of life. Reducing neonatal mortality has become an emerging challenge for Bangladesh.
Recent Plateaus Require Vigilance
Bangladesh’s huge population size, extreme population density and high levels of poverty impose significant challenges to sustain the successes achieved in health. The recent plateau in contraceptive use, if it continues to persist, will be a major setback for limiting the country’s population growth and stabilizing its population size.
Still, 85 percent of child deliveries occur at home, most with no trained birth attendants present. Only one in five women seek health check ups for herself or the baby within 6 weeks of delivery. The HIV/AIDS infection rate remains low in the general population. However, in certain high risk groups, the infection rate is rapidly reaching the threshold level. This could mean a full blown epidemic in the near future.
Still, 85 percent of child deliveries occur at home, most with no trained birth attendants present. Only one in five women seek health check ups for herself or the baby within 6 weeks of delivery. The HIV/AIDS infection rate remains low in the general population. However, in certain high risk groups, the infection rate is rapidly reaching the threshold level. This could mean a full blown epidemic in the near future.
Democracy & Governance
Bangladesh is a relatively young parliamentary democracy and one of the most populous Muslim-majority nations in the world. Bangladeshis have a strong sense of national identity and, unlike many other emerging democracies, are less vulnerable to divisions across ethnic, religious or regional lines. The country has a history of citizen activism and a prolific civil society. Elections, which have consistently resulted in power transfers since 1991, tend to be ardently contested and highly participatory. Bangladesh, however, had experienced major political upheavals in the first 20 years of nationhood following its 1971 liberation war. It remains poor, vulnerable to natural disasters, and susceptible to social upheaval and political conflict.
Bangladesh’s development as a democracy has been interlaced with military rule and undermined by political polarization, ineffective institutions of governance, and rampant corruption. Partisan deadlock over electoral issues led to the cancellation of the January 2007 parliamentary election and the establishment of a military-backed caretaker government, which managed the country under a state of emergency until December 2008. The successful parliamentary election in December 2008 and the emergence of Bangladesh’s 9th Parliament have brought about new opportunities for democratic development and a new sense of urgency among Bangladeshi stakeholders to reform political practices and institutions.
In part due to a series of reforms initiated by the last caretaker administration and adopted by the newly-elected government, Bangladesh has now entered a seminal period in its democratic history and faces both the promise and challenge of consolidating democratic reforms. New laws, for example, to prevent terrorism and money laundering, protect rights to information, and reform political and electoral processes will require commitment and capacity to be reinforced. Similarly, key institutions, especially the Parliament and the new commissions on human rights and corruption, need to develop as credible bodies of democratic governance. The capacity and effectiveness of local government in Bangladesh will also determine the country’s progress as a democratic and prosperous nation.
Trafficking in Persons
Trafficking is a Worldwide Problem
Every year, 800,000-900,000 women and children worldwide are believed to be trafficked and sold for sexual purposes. This trade results in unimaginable mental and physical abuse, loss of human dignity, and violation of countless human rights. It is a modern form of slavery. It violates national and international laws against rape, torture, abduction and murder. The public health consequences of trafficking are significant. Many women and children are put at risk of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and thus condemned to a painful death.
Trafficking in Bangladesh
Exact numbers on trafficking in Bangladesh are unavailable. However, estimates on the number of women and children trafficked range from 10,000 to 20,000 per year. Estimates cannot easily be tested because of the clandestine nature of trafficking. Trafficking occurs both within Bangladesh and across its borders to India, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries, primarily the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. From Bangladesh, most women and children are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, domestic work and forced labor.
Energy
Energy is an Engine of Growth:
For Bangladesh, stable, expanding energy resources are a prerequisite for economic development. Bangladesh's energy resources constitute a significant engine of growth. More than two million people are employed in rural areas through electricity-run irrigation pumps, equipment and businesses. Rural businesses with electricity can generate eleven times more jobs than those without electricity.
Large Unsatisfied Demand for Energy:
Bangladesh has a large unsatisfied demand for energy, which is growing by 10 percent annually. Currently, it has the lowest per capita consumption of commercial energy in South Asia. While the current installed capacity is 5320 megawatts because of reduced efficiency of the old generating units the derated (effective) capacity stands at 4830 megawatts as of November 2008. As a result, the country has been unable to meet the growing demand for electricity. All parts of the country, including the capital, Dhaka, experience frequent planned electricity outages.
To respond to the growing demand for energy, the Government of Bangladesh has permitted private, independent power producers to enter the Bangladeshi market since 1996. While the maximum generation currently is approximately 3,800 megawatts, demand during peak hours reaches 5,000 megawatts. U.S. assistance in this program area helps Bangladesh move from a developing country to a transforming country by establishing a transparent energy regulatory climate that will facilitate infrastructure investment, simultaneously promoting economic growth and good governance. USAID anticipates that by 2012 increased investment in infrastructure will allow Bangladesh to provide 6,400 megawatts of electricity during peak demand and an additional 1.8 million consumers will have access to off-grid power from solar energy.
Environment
Bangladesh Has Rich But Dwindling Biodiversity:
Bangladesh is situated at the unique juxtaposition of the composite, sprawling, interlinked Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GMB) river systems, the second largest river system in the world, which drains an area of 1,086,000 square kilometers from China, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Because of this unique geophysical location, the country has been endowed with rich biological diversity, hosting a rich variety of species superbly evolved to populate the ecosystems of the country. However, due to the various pressures of a growing population (with an already existing base of 145 million people), development interventions, gaps in policy and legislation, and conflicting institutional mandates, 95% of Bangladesh’s natural forests and 50% of its freshwater wetlands are lost or degraded. Bangladesh now has among the smallest areas of protected and intact forest in the world, consisting of 1.4% of its landmass. Many terrestrial wildlife species have been lost during the last 100 years. In addition, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in 2000 classified 40% of Bangladesh’s freshwater fish species as threatened with national extinction.
Bangladesh - the Most Vulnerable Country to Global Climate Change
Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to climate change impact. Being the largest delta in the world located at the downstream of the second largest river system, the country is subject to a series of climatic events. The probable impacts of global climate change (GCC), particularly sea-level rise and the associated impact on ecosystems and economic loss, adds to the already daunting array of environmental issues. Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become permanently inundated. In addition to direct inundation of a large population, the sea level rise will certainly result in increased frequency and severity of flooding along the major estuarine rivers. Saltwater intrusion problems will also be exacerbated in coastal aquifers. Some impacts manifesting in erratic weather patterns and unexpected extreme climatic events have already been evident. The most recent cyclone, Cyclone Sidr, hit Bangladesh on November 15, 2007 with an enormous intensity. Winds of 220-240 km/hr and the cyclone’s width of 600 kilometers caused over 3,000 deaths and projected costs of $2.3 billion dollars due to widespread devastation to houses, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become permanently inundated. Climate Change is no longer only an environmental issue; it is a development issue. Bangladesh has prepared through a participatory process the “Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan” (BCCSAP). About US$500 million will be needed immediately, and about $5 billion will be needed within the next 5-10 years. The government has earmarked US$ 45 million. The donors are in the process of setting up a US$ 150 million Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
In Bangladesh, Poverty and Natural Resource Dependence are Strongly Linked
Seventy-percent of Bangladeshis depends on natural resources (wetlands and forests) for their livelihoods. Poverty is mainly rural (53% rural headcount poverty, 37% urban). Seventy-seven percent of rural households say they are at break-even or deficit status. Within this bracket, 18% comprise the hardcore poor who are always in deficit. The rural poor are traditionally the most natural resource dependent and landless communities whose lives are totally dependent on natural capital.
Degradation of natural capital and biodiversity has a serious and direct impact on the food security, nutrition and income of the poor. The people of Bangladesh have a historical dependency on the floodplain system for their livelihood security. An estimated 70 million rural households rely on food and income from the wetlands to survive in one of the world’s poorest countries. Around one million people are estimated to fish full time, and 11 million are involved part time – and four out of every five rural dwellers are dependent to some extent on aquatic resources. These resources are estimated to supply between 60% and 80% of the animal protein needs of the country, as well as being a key source of essential minerals, vitamins and fatty acids which are vital factors in child development and adult health. Between 1995 and 2000, freshwater fish consumption fell by 38% among poor wetlands inhabitants. Open water fish that used to supply 80% of the animal protein consumed, in particular by the rural poor, now supply less than 60%. Sustainable management of the bio-diverse natural capital is, therefore, central to poverty reduction in the Bangladesh context.
Food Security
Although food grain is more available in good harvest years, Bangladesh as a whole still has a very low level of nutrition. This means many households and individuals do not eat a balanced, nutritious diet, even in good years. According to the World Bank, approximately 33 million of the 150 million people in Bangladesh cannot afford an average daily intake of more than 1800 kilocalories (the minimum standard for nutrition as set by the World Food Program). For people in most developing countries, the daily calorie average is 2,828. In Bangladesh, that average is only 2,190.
Poverty is the major factor effecting food security in Bangladesh. Despite the impressive increases in food grain, around half of Bangladeshis remain below the established food based poverty line. And, as many as one third are living in extreme poverty and severely undernourished. Recent food price increases, regular natural disasters, and strains on the global economic market have caused additional destabilization.
Limited Food for the Very Poor:
The very poor in Bangladesh simply do not have enough money for food, much less enough to eat nutritiously. 49% of Bangladeshis fall below the poverty line and 42% of the total population survives on less than a dollar a day. Bangladesh is a disaster prone area subject to flooding, mud slides, and cyclones. As much as 50% of the population lives in these disaster prone areas, which further complicates their already vulnerable situation. During natural disasters, families often lose what few possessions they may own.
Disaster Management
Bangladesh is Highly Vulnerable to Disasters:
Bangladesh is frequently hit by disasters, particularly cyclones, floods, mud slides, and drought. The country’s tropical monsoon climate is influenced by the Himalayan, the Assam, and the Burmese mountain ranges in the north and the northeast and the Bay of Bengal in the south. The strong monsoon rains, coupled with Bangladesh's location in the delta of the world's second largest river basin, make it extremely vulnerable to recurring floods.
Poor are Hardest Hit:
In a disaster situation, those living near the poverty line can easily slip below it. The landless and near landless may be forced to sell their limited assets for survival needs. Those who depend upon wage labor for subsistence are forced to compete with those entering the labor market. The labor market, in turn, becomes further depressed by the loss of harvests and alternative sources of employment.
EDUCATION
Education is a High Priority:
Education is fundamental to the development of Bangladesh. The Government has placed a high priority on it, particularly at the primary school level. Although official education statistics are unreliable, substantial progress has been made over the last 20 years. Enrollments have increased, the gender balance has improved, and public spending on education has expanded.
Education is fundamental to the development of Bangladesh. The Government has placed a high priority on it, particularly at the primary school level. Although official education statistics are unreliable, substantial progress has been made over the last 20 years. Enrollments have increased, the gender balance has improved, and public spending on education has expanded.
Daunting Challenges for a Growing Population:
- Among those who enter primary school, only 76% complete it. It takes them an average of 6.6 years to do so.
- Six percent of children do not enroll, and 25% of those who do drop out. That means 30% of Bangladeshi children do not have a primary school education.
- The average achievement level of primary school graduates is the 2nd grade.
- Repetition and dropout rates remain unacceptably high, especially for children living in poverty and children from minority families.
- The student/teacher ratio is 60 to 1, among the worst in Asia.
- Average student/teacher contact time is 2.5 hours per day, one of the lowest rates in the world.
While the Government has increased funding for education, the expenditure per pupil remains very low. Teachers are poorly trained and paid. In many cases, they are not working up to their capabilities, nor to government-set standards. Teaching methods and materials are generally sub-standard, especially in government schools. Schools are in poor condition and detrimental to learning.
System in Need of Reform:
The education system is badly in need of reform. The autocratic, centralized and top down approach that persists stifles innovation. Corruption in the system and cheating on exams by teachers under pressure from officials and parents are widespread. Officially available grade and competency levels are probably inflated. At the local level, community and official support for schools is very poor. Only 15% of school management committees are active, and less than 50% of primary schools have parent-teacher associations.
The education system is badly in need of reform. The autocratic, centralized and top down approach that persists stifles innovation. Corruption in the system and cheating on exams by teachers under pressure from officials and parents are widespread. Officially available grade and competency levels are probably inflated. At the local level, community and official support for schools is very poor. Only 15% of school management committees are active, and less than 50% of primary schools have parent-teacher associations.
Early Childhood Education Receives Little Attention:
Parents and communities do not prepare children well for school, and preschools have not yet caught on. Informal "baby classes" have been created at many government schools as a response to younger siblings following older siblings to school. However, lack of equipment and a curriculum make them inappropriate early learning environments.
Parents and communities do not prepare children well for school, and preschools have not yet caught on. Informal "baby classes" have been created at many government schools as a response to younger siblings following older siblings to school. However, lack of equipment and a curriculum make them inappropriate early learning environments.
There are an estimated 9 million children aged 3-6 in Bangladesh. Although the most recent Government plans include preschool classes in 80% of government schools by 2015, early childhood development has received little attention. Due to severe budget and capacity constraints, it is not currently a government priority. For that reason, it is also not a donor priority, with a few exceptions. Most existing early childhood programs are provided through NGOs working with communities. Despite commendable efforts by the NGO community, the coverage of existing early childhood programs remains limited. While the quality varies, most observers feel there is substantial room for improvement.
In sum, far from making inroads on the country's educational deficit, the current education system continues to add to it, year after year.
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