Oxfam began working in El Salvador in the 1970s. In particular, Oxfam works with local partner organisations on self-supporting schemes that enable farmers to plant a range of crops to eat and to sell.

Local projects support some of the most marginalised and impoverished groups in the country. Additional projects address the health needs of communities affected by conflicts or natural disasters.

In the last few years, Oxfam has focused its work on water sanitation and health services due to the effects of natural disasters in this region, while also seeking better trade conditions for the country.

Water sanitation - Primarily administrative assistance

Every day, more than 25,000 people die from water-borne diseases in the world. Approximately 80 per cent of diseases and over one-third of deaths in the developing world are caused by contaminated water.

In any emergency, inadequate water supplies are an acute health hazard, and there is sometimes a need for simple, quick solutions if lives are to be saved. In more chronic emergencies there is time to develop more appropriate and cost-effective schemes according to local conditions.

Oxfam’s water engineers are known internationally for the speed and efficiency with which they can help to provide large-scale water supplies in the most difficult circumstances.

The earthquake which hit El Salvador in January 2001 destroyed homes and water supply in El Conacaste 35 km west of San Salvador. Oxfam International provided an initial US$ 2 million aid to provide water in the worst affected parts of the country. By early February Oxfam had installed 44 water tanks, benefiting over 65,000 people.

Our aim in the country now is:

1. To build adequate installations to supply drinking water to 259 families who were affected by the 2001 earthquakes. These families live in shelters with few facilities. The creation of a health committee is needed to train and educate them on health matters.
2. To contribute to the reduction of illnesses that can be prevented through the construction of latrines.

Trade

Oxfam works with farmers’ and other organisations around the world to shift global trade rules so that they start to work for the poor.

There is a project being implemented (to be managed by Oxfam America), which focuses on the implication of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) between the United States, Central America and the Dominican Republic. In particular we are looking at helping small-scale farmers diversify their agricultural produce.

The implementation of this programme involves the active participation of our affiliates Oxfam America and Oxfam Solidarity and the participation of our partner, the Salvadoran Association of Humanitarian Assistance (Asociación Salvadoreña de Ayuda Humanitaria)

Last updated: Feb 06