Economic opportunity
Markets, whether large or small, keep communities thriving. But conflicts, disasters and a lack of infrastructure can prevent people from conducting the daily transactions on which all growth and progress depend. Around the world, Mercy Corps discovers why commerce is stuck.
In some places, manufacturers need loans to purchase equipment and young people desire job skills. In others, key transportation routes to market must be rebuilt or farmers require better storage to keep their inventory fresh until sold.
Our economic development projects provide financing, equipment, training or technical support. These projects help people find jobs, build their businesses, supply their communities with the goods they need —and improve their lives.
All stories about Economic opportunity
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Sri Lanka: Mercy Corps Receives Tsunami Relief Donation from Oprah's Angel Network January 18, 2005
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Sri Lanka: Using Science to Rebuild Communities January 14, 2005
Mercy Corps has teamed up with over 50 geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) professionals to improve relief efforts in tsunami-stricken areas of Asia.
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Indonesia: Reclaiming Aceh Besar January 7, 2005
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Honduras: Sweet Success December 9, 2004
For Victor Rodriguez, the taste of success is sweet. In fact, it has a distinct peachy flavour with hints of pineapple.
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Mongolia: A Growing Market for Farmers in Mongolia November 1, 2004
Vegetable growers and dairy producers in Mongolia's Umnugobi province (or aimag) have begun supplying local produce to one of that country's largest mineral exploration operations.
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Kosovo: Milk collection center opens in Kosovo October 13, 2004
In Kosovo, milk is building stronger communities.
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Lebanon: Festival Offers Feathery Bonanza For Bird Lovers October 2, 2004
Comfortable shoes, some change and an desire to see nature is all you need for a weekend of bird watching and entertainment in Ebel es-Saqi, a village tagged recently by world-renowned experts as being one of the main pathways for migratory birds.
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Nicaragua: Lush mountains and lofty goals September 1, 2004
Julio Obeguedo is determined to reach the top of the coffee world. He's also resolved to lift other local farmers to that lofty goal.
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Nicaragua: Re-inventing tradition September 1, 2004
Magdeleno Benavides' path is a difficult one. After fifteen minutes of hiking, he arrives at the amazingly perilous slope where he's planted coffee under a grove of indigenous trees.
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Nicaragua: An integrated farm brings new independence in Nicaragua September 1, 2004
The coffee crisis has meant harder times for Birgina Morales and her family. Her husband has grown coffee all his life, and his father before him. Most of their meagre livelihood came from the coffee harvest each year.
