Barrick and CIDA Co-Fund new CARE Project in Peru

The international humanitarian organization CARE is leading a project to alleviate poverty and build government capacity in northern Peru. The project targets the districts of Quiruvilca, Usquil and Sanagorán, where poverty is endemic and the average monthly income is US$54. In these three districts, located near Barrick’s Lagunas Norte mine, subsistence farming is the primary means of survival.

  The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Barrick are co-funding the two-and-a-half-year project, which will help local farmers improve productivity and establish new markets for their products. The project will also support the development of micro-enterprises to service the agriculture industry, focusing in particular on employment opportunities for women and youth. Agrorural, a Peruvian government agency that combats rural poverty in Peru, will also play an important role.   CIDA is committing C$1 million to the project, while Barrick is contributing C$460,000. An estimated 2,100 families in 20 communities are expected to benefit directly, while another 4,100 families in 32 communities will be indirect beneficiaries.   “Canada’s extractive sector is a prime example of how CIDA can partner with the private sector to advance global development objectives,” says Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation, Julian Fantino. “The extractive sector is a key area where CIDA can be active in helping Peru meet its development objectives, promoting partnerships with all stakeholders, including communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to achieve concrete results that improve the lives of people.”   Click here to continue reading about the project in Peru by Barrick, CIDA and CARE