Brazil

Youth being trained at a computer laboratory implemented by the Youth Employability program. Computer training helps disadvantaged youth find jobs in Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza. This USAID-supported program establishes partnerships with the private sector to help youth find their first job.

Overview

With over 190 million people, Brazil’s population ranks fifth in the world and largest in Latin America. Its vast natural resources and large labor pool reinforce Brazil’s regional leadership and status as one of Latin America's leading economic powers. USAID partners with local organizations to support projects in sectors such as environment, energy health, and economic growth. USAID programs in Brazil aim to preserve natural ecosystems; promote sustainable forest management; mitigate climate change; promote clean, alternative energy technologies; support efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis and malaria; promote economic empowerment and social inclusion for disadvantaged persons, including those living with HIV/AIDS; foster trade-led micro and small enterprise development to expand economic opportunities to disadvantaged people; and build partnerships with public and private sector entities to achieve development goals. .

Programs

Economic Growth

ENVIRONMENT
USAID is addressing global concerns of biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in Brazil through support for innovative partnerships between experienced local and international environmental organizations. USAID provides grant funding to help build institutional networks that empower local communities, generate and disseminate sound resource management practices, and contribute to formulating public policies that support and encourage such practices. USAID also works with indigenous organizations to assist them in protecting their cultures, lands, and ecosystems. USAID is working to significantly increase the area of land in the Brazilian Amazon region under improved, sustainable forest management. In achieving this result, it is expected that there will be improvements in the socio¬economic behavior of forest dwellers and forest entrepreneurs, increased sustainable economic valuation of the forest, and improved public policies directed towards forested areas. Examples of expected accomplishments include: increased land area under protection and under sustainable natural resource management; increased protection of traditional knowledge and recognition of the value of indigenous stewardship of biodiversity and environmental services; an increased number of skilled people employed in sustainable natural resource management in rural communities; and increased private investment directed towards sustainable production in community settings in forest areas.

YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY
USAID assistance promotes economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth through technology-based training, related life skills support, job placement assistance, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The program offers marketable skills training for at-risk youth and increases youth access to formal market employment opportunities.

ENERGY
USAID seeks to build and strengthen the capacity of non-governmental organizations, associations, the private sector, financial institutions, and public entities working in the energy arena, including state and federal regulatory bodies. USAID programs also aim to promote public policies that encourage renewable and efficient energy technologies. Likewise, USAID assists in facilitating energy projects that demonstrate cost-effective mechanisms for using clean energy to promote economic development, social inclusion, and climate change mitigation.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
USAID fosters strategic alliances with the public and private sector, with U.S. companies in particular, to encourage innovation, support political reforms, improve the business environment, and promote sustainable socioeconomic development in Brazil through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Investing In People

HEALTH
USAID assists the Government of Brazil in tuberculosis control by helping to expand Directly Observed Therapy Short-course Strategy (DOTS) coverage, train health professionals, and support treatment and research. In malaria control, USAID is helping to implement the use of insecticide treated bednets. USAID also works closely with the Brazilian National STD & AIDS Program to support activities to promote quality of life and social inclusion for people living with HIV/AIDS, to help develop creative strategies to expand access to HIV testing and counseling, and to support training related to negative side-effects for AIDS medications.