Howard G. Buffett Foundation

CRS' relationship with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation began in 2005 with a small project that supported migrant workers in Mexico. Since then, the partnership has deepened to support 17 water and agriculture projects in 16 countries across Latin America and Africa that are valued at more than $60 million.

The Global Water Initiative in Central America

Started in 2007, the Global Water Initiative addresses the declining state of the world's supply of fresh water and the lack of access to clean water services by the world's poorest people. It brings together the talents and seasoned expertise of CRS and a consortium of 6 other international organizations. Together, we are identifying ways to maximize local water sources and develop sustainable water availability for rural, impoverished communities in 13 countries across Central America, West Africa, and East Africa. CRS is the lead organization for Central America.

The activities carried out through the Global Water Initiative ultimately will benefit 47,600 people in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua by:

• protecting and improving water sources,
• strengthening local governance for water resources,
• building local capacity to develop and maintain water supply infrastructure, and
• promoting hygiene and sanitation, with a special focus on children and women.

Through March 2010, we've seen dynamic results. Specifically, communities have:

• Rehabilitated 1,814 acres of degraded hillsides through the local purchase of surrounding land, conservation structures that prevent soil and water erosion, and the planting of forest/fruit trees.
• Constructed 93 water systems—mostly gravity flow systems that protect water at its source and pipe it to homes—which have provided clean drinking water to 32,345 people.
• Improved pit latrines for better sanitation, benefiting 21,650 people.
• Built 430 single-farm irrigation systems, resulting in increased agricultural production.
• Acquired local government contributions totaling $500,000 to support this project, with at least $500,000 more earmarked.

For more information about the Global Water Initiative, please visit: www.globalwaterinitiative.com.

For more information on the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, please visit: www.fragilethehumancondition.com/index.php/hgb-foundation/.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. We alleviate suffering and provide assistance to people in need in nearly 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.