In the second-poorest country in Central America, creating jobs is particularly important. Almost half the population of Nicaragua lives below the poverty line, is unemployed or works in the informal sector. Income is particularly low in rural areas.

This is why Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) has stepped up operations in recent years in the production and marketing of agricultural produce using ecological cropping methods. Local private sector development is supported through business partnerships, with the well-known chocolate maker, Josef Zotter, for example. This benefits small and medium-sized enterprises in particular and many new jobs have been created.

Strong women for a strong democracy

Austria is also a firm advocate of the equitable involvement of women in all social, economic and cultural developments in Nicaragua and their protection against violence. The social and economic participation of women and girls also fosters the development of a democratic society.

Diverse cooperation

The joint programmes of Austria and Nicaragua are based on the National Strategy for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction. The partners of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) in the Central American state are ministries, regional administrations and municipal authorities as well as local and Austrian non-governmental organisations. Dialogue with the political leadership and the institutions of Nicaragua as well as with other development assistance donors plays an increasing role here.

Austria has been engaged since the early 1980s in Nicaragua, which has ranked as a priority country of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) since 1992. This is also where the cooperation priorities are set: rural development, promotion of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and assistance in the social sector aimed at improvements in education and health.