USAID GRANT EMPOWERS SAMOANS TO ENHANCE DISASTER RESPONSE SELF-RELIANCE
USAID - Rapid Response Manufacturing Phase 3 (Photo: Supplied)
In a move to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the Pacific Islands, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated a substantial grant to Field Ready, a leading non-governmental organization. This grant, amounting to $2.4 million, aims to empower local manufacturers in Samoa and across the Pacific region to produce vital aid supplies. This initiative not only seeks to enhance self-reliance in disaster response but also highlights the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Samoa's resilience efforts.
The grant from USAID represents a significant investment in the resilience of Samoan communities. By empowering local manufacturers, the initiative aims to build a robust foundation for disaster response within Samoa itself. This means that when disaster strikes, Samoans will have the capacity to produce essential aid supplies locally, reducing dependence on external assistance and ensuring a more timely and effective response to emergencies.
The two-year program funded by USAID will not only benefit Samoa but also extend its reach to assist at least 100,000 people across the Pacific Islands. With a focus on enhancing local response capabilities, the initiative will prepare Pacific Island communities to better withstand and recover from future shocks. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of community-led resilience-building efforts, where local knowledge and resources are leveraged to address the unique challenges posed by natural disasters.
Field Ready, the recipient of the grant, has been at the forefront of localizing manufacturing for humanitarian purposes since 2016. Through partnerships with stakeholders in Samoa, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and local manufacturers, Field Ready has facilitated the development of various aid items tailored to the needs of Pacific Island communities. These include emergency latrines, water storage buckets, handwashing stations, and WASH kits, all manufactured within the region.
A key aspect of the initiative is the focus on training and capacity building. Field Ready's project includes the development of a mobile field workshop in Fiji for rapid infrastructure repair during disasters. This workshop will not only serve as a vital resource during emergencies but also provide training opportunities for local engineers in new technologies and disaster recovery techniques. By investing in skills development, the initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of local response capabilities beyond the duration of the project.
The USAID grant to Field Ready represents a significant milestone in the journey toward enhancing disaster response self-reliance in Samoa and across the Pacific Islands. By empowering local manufacturers and building community-led resilience, the initiative lays the groundwork for a more resilient future. As Samoa and its neighbors continue to face the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, investments in local capacity building and innovation are essential to safeguarding the well-being of Pacific Island communities.