USAID
Assistance from USAID micro-loan
programs and agricultural programs
has improved crop production, including
income growth for these farmers and
vendors in Sudan.
volatility in global food prices, an economic downturn in industrialized economies that means less money sent home by immigrants, or something else.
But government leadership in seeking and implementing solutions for hungry and poor people can mean even more. Countries with effective governments are more resilient. The United States provides some technical support
to national and local governments in matters such as regulation, purchasing
policies, improving services, and engaging more closely with citizens. This type
of capacity-building program could be expanded in the future to build further
government capacity to be effective.
In turn, a strong civil society is important to help ensure effective governance and hold governments accountable. U.S. government engagement with
civil society overseas supports, for example, efforts to establish an independent
media and strengthen local nongovernmental organizations so they can better
advocate for their communities.
Building resilience in families and communities and building resilience in
countries reinforce each other. It becomes easier to establish a resilient national
government when there are fewer poor and desperate people, and it is easier for
families and communities to become more resilient when government is there
to support their efforts and protect the most vulnerable.
Further Thoughts
Anticipated Global Impacts of Climate Change on Key Development Measures
44 Essay 7
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