In a significant move, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing dismantling, impacting crucial efforts in South America. The suspension, ordered by President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about the future of humanitarian assistance in Colombia, conservation projects in Brazil, and coca eradication initiatives in Peru.
Many USAID-supported projects focus on areas such as climate change, biodiversity, and minority and women's rights, which are now at risk due to the suspension. This has left several recipients worried about the fate of their projects.
Colombia, a major recipient of U.S. foreign assistance in South America, has received support for emergency humanitarian aid to over 2.8 million Venezuelan refugees. The end of U.S. humanitarian assistance in Colombia and other Latin American countries poses a significant setback for vulnerable populations, including Venezuelan migrants.
In Brazil, USAID's largest initiative, the Partnership for the Conservation of Amazon Biodiversity, focuses on conservation efforts and improving livelihoods for Indigenous peoples and forest communities. The suspension of USAID funding has put these projects at risk, impacting organizations like the Roraima Indigenous Council.
In Peru, USAID disbursed funds for controlling cocaine production by supporting alternative crops like coffee and cacao. The Peruvian government has expressed its commitment to continuing these programs despite the halt in U.S. funding.
The decision to dismantle USAID has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an opportunity to reassess the effectiveness of aid partnerships. While concerns persist about the impact on vulnerable populations and conservation efforts, some experts point to examples like Bolivia, which saw improved results in controlling cocaine production after expelling USAID in 2013.
As these developments unfold, stakeholders in South America are closely monitoring the implications of the USAID suspension on critical projects and initiatives in the region.
