The information indicates that more than 84,000, among the
country’s population of approximately six million, are no longer attempting to
live on less than $2 a day and another 34,000 emerged from extreme poverty.
Enrique Alaniz, FIDEG research director, reported that
contributing to the reduction in poverty were family remittances, which
surpassed a billion dollars, 11.2% more than the $911,600 Nicaraguans received
in 2011.
He explained that the poverty rate has, however, been consistently
falling for the last four years. In 2009 it stood at 44.7% of the
population.
Experts attribute progress to programs supporting the most
vulnerable, implemented by the Sandinista government which returned to office in
2007. These efforts have benefited more than half a million people over the last
six years.
One of the most recognized is Usura Cero, (Zero Usury) which has
already this year supported some 2,528 women in launching small businesses and,
by extension their families, according to its director Leonor Corea.
The Ministry of Family, Community, Cooperative and Associative
Economics has reported the delivery of food benefits to 100,000 families with
children, in addition to programs such as Crissol, serving 20,000; Alimentary
and Nutritional Security (14,000) and the Micro-Small Business Service
(46,000).
Additionally, 1,610 persons have benefited from the Juvenile
Initiative; 5,500 through Procaval and 175,000 via Healthy Backyards, which
supplies families with seedlings, allowing them to grow food in their own
yards.
The United Nations World Food and Agricultural Organization has
recognized the country’s efforts, in particular, the provision of a free school
lunch, to all children in grades one through nine.
During the period 1989-2010, Nicaragua reduced malnutrition from
52% to 19%, supporting more than a million people, according to the UN
organization’s reports. (PL)
July 18, 2013
Granma.cu
