Honduras

Having clean drinking water for the first time in their lives is a joyful occasion for these Honduran children.

Overview

Since its return to a democratic government in 1980, Honduras has remained politically stable and is continuously striving to maintain an independent judicial system. The economic is stable, despite high levels of gang-related crime and violence. Non-traditional exports have soared, providing employment to many Hondurans. Diversification of agricultural production will lead to the improvement of food security. Hundreds of thousands of hectares are under improved management as national parks or wildlife refuges, and the country has improved access to safe drinking water. This leads to improved sanitary conditions and, when combined with Honduras’s reduced infant mortality and illiteracy rates, demonstrates the country’s commitment to increasing living standards for its citizens.

Programs

Governing Justly & Democratically

Improving municipal capacity and increasing civil society participation in democratic institutions are priorities of USAID programs. USAID promotes the improvement of municipal services such as water supply and waste management in order to respond to citizen needs. Citizen participation in local decision-making processes is supported to increase transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. USAID also has supported initiatives led by citizens to ensure free and fair elections and advocate for needed reforms. USAID continues to support civic education programs for school-aged children, through which they learn civic values and responsibilities.

Economic Growth

USAID assists the Government of Honduras with participation in trade agreements and following best investment practices. Reforming economic policies and facilitating business growth are also key components at the national level. Small and microenterprises receive USAID support for financial services and assistance in improving business linkages. Farmers receive USAID assistance for crop improvement and diversification, which results in higher quality agricultural production.

Investing In People

USAID is targeting maternal and child health and family planning services in areas of highest need, mostly in western Honduras. Child health activities expand on the successful Integrated Community Child Health Program, which emphasizes basic prevention and treatment services and referrals by trained community volunteers. The P.L. 480 Program (Food-for-Peace) assists vulnerable populations in extremely poor municipalities of western and southern Honduras through: increased food availability and access; improved utilization of food through adequate maternal childcare and reproductive healthcare; and improved departmental, municipal, and community capacity for strategic development.

USAID activities improve the quality and reach of basic education for children and young adults in Honduras. One program develops technology-based, alternative delivery systems for pre-school and secondary education to youth from low-income families. Working in collaboration with the Honduras Ministry of Education, USAID also develops educational standards that include strategies for testing and evaluation as well as a plan to decentralize education management to the local level.