Remarks by USAID Administrator Shah at the New Alliance Event

The following is an excerpt from USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah’s remarks at the New Alliance: Progress and the Way Forward side event during the UN General Assembly in 2012. Read the Administrator’s full remarks on the USAID website. 

But one of the most exciting results from the New Alliance has been the opportunity for problem-solvers to create innovative new partnerships and advance our overall impact.

And this is not just happening with the private sector.

Through Feed the Future—the U.S. Government’s contribution to the New Alliance—we’re working closely with NGOs, women’s cooperatives and communities to increase farming incomes and improve nutrition.

In Malawi, we have a long-standing partnership with the national smallholder farmers’ association, which helps more than 100,000 farmers apply a profitable business model. The average income of the farmer who belongs to the association is over $1,200 compared to Malawi’s per capital incomeof $300.

In Nepal, our Flood Recovery Program began as a way to help communities recover from devastating floods in 2007 and 2008. Under Feed the Future, it has transitioned into a partnership with local NGOs that improves the affordability and availability of nutritious food for rural households.

So far, it has helped establish more than 4,500 home gardens, tripled family incomes, and led to a decrease in seasonal migration and an increase in school enrolment.

We look forward to highlighting some of these important partnerships as we celebrate the contributions and leadership of civil society tomorrow with Secretary Clinton.