Unites States Agency for International Development works with Soldiers to make a difference in Iraq

Photo By Spc. Tyler Maulding | A Soldier evaluates a field for a potential Unites States Agency for International Development agricultural project in Diwaniyah, Qadissiya province.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.06.2009

Story by Pfc. Tyler Maulding 

Multi-National Division-Central

By Pfc. Tyler Maulding
Multi-National Division - Center

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Although there have been huge steps toward a safe and democratic Iraq; there is still much work to be done. One American agency is hard at work.

The Unites States Agency for International Development is continuing its mission to bring peace and stability to Iraq through various community programs.

"USAID has been in Iraq since 2003 and has spent over 6.1 billion dollars through various programs designed to promote peace and stability," said Maj. Gita Velu, Company B, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, Multi-National Division – Central, Liaison Officer to USAID.

USAID is a branch of the State Department based in Washington D.C. with offices in developing countries all over the world.

The mission of USAID in Iraq, according to their website, www.usaid.gov, is to provide a focused approach to essential issues, addressing the root causes of instability and building the foundation for a prosperous Iraq. Their strategy calls for an expanded role in supporting focused stabilization, establishing the foundation for economic growth, and building national capacity. These efforts, in the short-term, help stabilize areas impacted by the insurgency and mitigate the appeal of insurgent recruitment efforts. Over the longer term, the establishment of democratic institutions and sustainable economic development will form the foundations of a stable, democratic, and prosperous Iraq.

To accomplish this mission, USAID has programs designed to address specific issues, including agriculture, economics, government, health, education and government capacity building.

USAID has been focusing its resources in MND-C on three programs, said Velu- the Agriculture Program, the Democracy and Governance program, and the Community Stabilization Program. The agency has spent nearly one billion dollars between the three.

"The democracy and governance program encourages integration of democratic principals into all levels of Iraqi government," said Renuka Naj, USAID / Iraq Mission, Development and Outreach communications officer. "This supports the military's goal of bringing political stability to Iraq."

The objective of the agriculture program is to revitalize agricultural production, stimulate income and rehabilitate the country's natural resource base, said Velu.

"In the community stabilization program military aged men and women are given job training and then jobs," said Naj. "The aim is hopefully diverting unemployed men and women from engaging in activities counter to the stability and development of Iraq."

With much accomplished, USAID and the military continue their work to make Iraq a better place than we found it.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2009
• Date Posted: 02.06.2009 11:22
• Story ID: 29727
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ